The Army 14 Brigade Step Up Headquarters, Amaekpu Ohafia in Ohafia LGA Friday flagged off its military exercise codenamed “Golden Dawn II”.
In his address during the flagoff ceremony, the Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig. Gen Adegoke Adetuji said the exercise was designed to promote conducive environment for businesses and other socio-economic activities as well as enhanced the security of law abiding citizens of the State during the Yuletide seasons and electioneering period.
Brig. Gen Adetuji further explained that the Army will collaborate with other Security Agencies to perform the exercise, adding that the exercise, Golden Dawn 11 which also featured a Free Medical Outreach for the host Community, Amaekpu Ohafia, to promote the civil military cooperation between them and host communities and assured residents and visitors of their safety during and after the period.
Speaking during the official flag off, the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu charged the army to observe laid down rules of engagement and code of conduct to avoid actions that may infringe on the rights of citizens and host communities.
Dr Ikpeazu who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu expressed his confidence that the exercise aimed at fostering the much needed civil – military cooperation between the Military and Abians will also assist greatly in flushing out criminal elements within the nooks and crannies of the State.
He further expressed his confidence that the Nigerian Army and other Security Agencies are capable of dealing with criminal elements disrupting the deserved peace and tranquility required for economic development during the Golden Dawn 11 exercise, the Yuletide seasons and electioneering period.
The governor used the forum to urge them to attach great importance to compliment State Government’s efforts in providing succor to various communities, while imploring Abians to cooperate with the troops and other Security Personnel in the conduct of the exercise and assured them of Government’s continued support to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier in his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Amaekpu Ohafia Community, Ezieogo Uduma Obuba Kalu while appreciating the Army Command for their security watch over the Community, advised Amaekpu residents and visitors to always cooperate with officers of the Military Command in their security patrol and quest to maintain peace and order.
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu later inspected the Medical Outreach organized by the Nigerian Army for the Amaekpu Ohafia Community.
