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The Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the South-East and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, has detailed the ongoing efforts of Operation Udoka in mitigating the impact of sit-at-home orders enforced by IPOB/ESN. These measures aim to sustain economic activities in the region.
During a 4th quarter assessment briefing with Defence Correspondents on Tuesday, Major General Dada outlined the successes achieved through optimized operations against the proscribed group. He emphasized that the initiative has brought significant improvements in the South-East’s security landscape.
Key operations under the umbrella of Operation Udoka include Operation Channel Sweep, Operation River Shield, Operation Dragon Spit, and the current Operation Arid Strike.
Major General Dada noted that IPOB’s activities, driven by its “Republic of Biafra in Exile” (BRGIE) agenda, have fueled violence in the region. Other threats include illegal oil bunkering, arms trafficking, kidnappings, assassinations, cultism, and communal disputes.
The JTF employs both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, combining military operations with efforts to win the trust and cooperation of local communities. Non-kinetic measures include medical outreach, educational programs, humanitarian aid, and partnerships with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Medical initiatives have provided free healthcare services such as obstetric care, dental services, eye exams, laboratory tests, and the distribution of mosquito nets, wheelchairs, and other essential items to communities in Enugu and Ebonyi States.
The JTF has also utilized cyber warfare to counter IPOB/ESN propaganda, deploying videos, images, and messages to debunk misinformation and foster a positive perception of its activities.
In Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, the JTF has distributed educational materials to schools, reopened markets previously shut due to IPOB directives, and provided palliatives, including food supplies, to alleviate hardships in communities in Anambra and Ebonyi States. Additionally, 38 widows of fallen military personnel have received relief materials and financial support.
Although IPOB/ESN’s operational capabilities have been significantly weakened, the group continues to carry out opportunistic attacks on security forces to replenish its weapons. During the review period, 21 rifles were reportedly seized by the group in such incidents.
The group’s activities, once concentrated in Anambra and Imo States, are now increasingly shifting to Ebonyi State. IPOB remains engaged in sit-at-home enforcement, kidnappings, arms trafficking, illegal oil bunkering, and pipeline sabotage.
Major General Dada reiterated the JTF’s dedication to addressing security challenges in the South-East through sustained kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. He underscored the importance of continuous operations to counter evolving threats from IPOB/ESN and other criminal groups in the region.
