By Audrey Lotechukwu
TUE 18 MAY, 2021-theGBJournal- The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba said the new special operation would return the region to its historical peaceful path. The operation is code-named OPERATION RESTORE PEACE in Enugu.
According to a statement by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the IGP launched the special operation today at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu as part of efforts targeted at returning the South Eastern region to its historical pride of place where its people are known to be peaceful, tolerant, innovative, industrious and entrepreneurial.
The IGP, according to the statement, noted that the special operation has become necessary to engender all-inclusive security actions to roll-back the murderous attacks, violence, proliferation of weapons and other threats to law and order occasioned by the separatist agenda being heightened by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the South East region.
The IGP observed that activities of the group in the region have assumed an armed dimension in which important political and community leaders as well as personnel and assets of the Nigeria Police, Military and other security agencies, critical national infrastructure are being constantly targeted in clearly well-coordinated premeditated manners.
‘’This is in addition to deepening inter-ethnic prejudice and intolerance, unjustifiable inter-ethnic violence, loss of lives and massive destruction of properties.’’
The IGP not only promised that the operation will be replicated in other parts of the country but also craved for the support of the leaders and critical stakeholders of the region in restoring security and strengthening national unity. He also assured the nation that in the coming days the special operation will be extended to other parts of the South East region to confront criminal elements, ‘’take the battle to their doorsteps and re-order our cherished national values in the region.’’
The Enugu State Governor, the host of the event, commended the IGP for initiating the special operation, describing it as ‘’timely’’ with the belief that it will help rejig and retool the security architecture of the South East.
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