STATE GOVERNMENT HEIGHTENS SECURITY AHEAD OF YULETIDE AS NEW GOC 82 DIVISION VISITS ABIA

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reiterated that his administration “spares no efforts in ensuring that Abia people and property are secured,” stressing that no meaningful development can take place without a solid foundation of safety and peace.

Governor Otti made the declaration when he received the newly posted General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, who visited the Government House on a familiarisation tour.

While emphasizing the cost implications of securing lives and property, the Governor maintained that security remains the bedrock of every thriving society.

According to him, “security costs a lot of money,” but the safety and well-being of Abians remain non-negotiable.

“We also know that security costs a lot of money, so we spare no efforts in ensuring that our people are secured.

“I’ve always held the view that anything you do without prioritising security will amount to nothing.

“If people cannot sleep with their two eyes closed, no matter how much investment you put in, nobody will patronise it,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti assured Major General Fadairo of the total cooperation and unwavering support of the state government, insisting that the administration does not rely on luck but on deliberate, strategic action in fighting crime.

“So, for us, we believe in working hard. We believe in paying superior attention to security. And we are very happy to have you here,” he added, urging the GOC to tour all military formations and battalions across the state. He reaffirmed that Abia would give the Army “maximum cooperation and support.”

Earlier in his remarks, Major General Fadairo, who also doubles as the Commander, South East Joint Task Force, Operation Udoka, expressed confidence in his ability to bolster security operations, noting that his long years of service in the region had equipped him with the experience and familiarity needed for the task ahead.

“Having served in various capacities in this place as a young officer, I want to bring my wealth of experience on board so that we can stem the tide of insecurity and criminality out of Abia State and the whole South East as a whole.

“I served here as a young officer, and I think I know all the nooks and corners in this general area. So, coming here, I think, is a blessing to the operation,” Fadairo stated.

He commended Governor Otti for his sustained support to security agencies, saying he had been “rightfully briefed” on the Governor’s proactive interventions.

In a related development, the Abia State Government has announced heightened security measures across the state as the Christmas season approaches.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the monthly Security Council meeting chaired by Governor Otti, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd), assured residents that existing security structures have been reinforced.

He confirmed that security agencies have been placed on red alert, with increased deployments to strategic locations statewide.

“The normal security is in place. There will be heightened security for the Yuletide. You know the level of insecurity in the nation as a whole, so we are not taking anything for granted.

“We are pledging that the Government Security Agencies will ensure that we have a hitch-free Yuletide season this period,” Navy Commander Uba stated.

He explained that the government is closely monitoring national security trends and adjusting its strategy to maintain peace and public safety throughout the festive period.

The Security Council meeting had in attendance heads of all security agencies in the state and reviewed ongoing operations while adopting new measures to reinforce security as the Yuletide approaches.