The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has said that the sit-at-home order enforced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across the South-East states has ended.
Bellnews reports that Lagbaja made the announcement on Tuesday at the COAS combined second and third quarters conference in Abuja.
He said that the menace ended as a result of the heightened efforts of his men and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“We have equally heightened our efforts in containing criminalities perpetrated in the South East Region by the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network,” Lagbaja said.
“Through Operation Udo Ka, our troops have, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, put an end to the infamous sit-at-home order that has almost crippled socio-economic activities in the Region.
“Law-abiding citizens of the Region now go about their businesses and everyday life. Similarly, our joint efforts with various government agencies have quelled attempts by criminals to disrupt economic activities in the South West Region.”
Lagbaja also revealed that Boko Haram and other terrorist activities have been curtailed, adding that residents of the troubled states had commenced commercial activities.
He added that the Nigerian Army has established some Special Forces units to tackle insecurity across the country.
“In a bid to further enhance our operational effects, the Nigerian Army has established some Special Forces units using specially trained personnel to tackle various criminalities across the Country.
“The Special Forces units have continued to record impressive performances through intelligence-led operations and the use of special equipment. As we continue to procure and induct more sophisticated platforms and equipment into the various theatres as force multipliers, I charge field commanders to ensure the maintenance of these platforms and equipment to prolong their life span and enable the nation to optimize its investment,” he said.
The IPOB sit-at-home order, which began in August 2021, in addition to having a negative impact on the economy of the South-East region, resulted in the loss of lives and properties of residents.
The order was enforced every Monday to demand the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu from prison.