In a bid to bolster security measures across Ekiti State, the first batch of Army personnel deployed by the Nigerian Army headquarters arrived in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Thursday.
The troops, who arrived at 9 o’clock in the morning, assembled at Fajuyi Pavilion for a parade before dispersing to various locations to kick-start their operations.
Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), the Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, welcomed the deployment, citing recent violent incidents in the state, including the killing of two monarchs and the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, as the impetus for the action.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to eradicating criminal activities and securing the state, Gen. Ogundana urged residents to remain calm and report any suspicious activities promptly.
Brigadier General John Lar, the Commander of the troop, outlined their mission to comb the forests and dismantle criminal hideouts, seeking the cooperation of residents during the military exercise.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff for the additional troops deployed to bolster security efforts and assured the state government of their dedication to clearing the forests of criminal elements.
The military personnel pledged round-the-clock efforts to ensure the success of their mission and emphasized heightened border surveillance to dismantle criminal networks operating within the forests.
