The 14 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Ebem Ohafia Abia State has flagged of a special operation code-named Exercise Golden Dawn II which is geared towards protecting residents and visitors to the state this festive period as well as protecting the people of the state during the upcoming 2023 general elections.
Addressing newsmen on Saturday in Ohafia at the official flag off of the exercise, the Commander 14 Brigade, Brig. Gen. A.M Adetuyi assured innocent and law-abiding citizens within the areas of the Brigade’s responsibility that the exercise is not designed to hunt them.
“I will like to use this opportunity to reassure residents and visitors to Abia State of their safety and security during the conduct of Exercise GOLDEN DAWN II. It should be well noted that the Exercise is not targeted at hunting innocent persons within the Brigade Area of Responsibility, but to protect them.
“As you may begin to witness increased presence of troops on patrols across the State, please bear in mind that the Nigerian Army is only out to ensure a secured environment for the Yuletide Celebrations and peaceful electioneering activities, in preparation for 2023 General Elections.
“We therefore call on all peace-loving people of Abia State to extend their warmness and cooperation to the troops, so that we can jointly ensure the successful conduct of Exercise GOLDEN DAWN II,” he said.
As a way of enhancing military-civil cooperation, Adetuyi also announced that a free medical outreach will be conducted in Ohafia as well as education support in some public schools in the state.
The Commander also thanked the governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his support towards the 14 Brigade in ensuring that it performs its constitutional duties effectively.