The order to sit at home in the South-East has been put to an end, according to Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff.
He said this in Abuja during the COAS combined second and third quarter conference.
He stated that the threat was eliminated as a result of the increased efforts of the military working with key partners.
“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.
“Through Operation Udoka, 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 said.
On insurgency, the army chief said the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorists have been curtailed, adding that residents of the troubled states had commenced commercial activities in the states.
He also said the Nigerian Army has established Special Forces units to tackle insecurity across the country.
A Priority
Lagbaja also pledged that under his watch, the welfare of troops and their families would be given priority.
“To this end, troops’ welfare and that of their families will remain predominant in all our efforts. I intend to consolidate all existing welfare arrangements to enhance the well-being of our troops and their families as this will keep them focused on their tasks.
“In addition to providing befitting living quarters for our personnel, we shall ensure the newly introduced ‘Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme’ designed to provide affordable and high-quality post-service homes for our soldiers,” Lagbaja said.
Nnamdi Kanu, a pro-Biafra leader, was initially the target of the sit-at-home order, which demanded his release.
However, the order, which recently took on tragic proportions, has seriously harmed the local economy and caused the loss of lives and property.