The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has assured traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, as well as those in other major economic centres across the South-east, of adequate security and safety.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Olabisi Ayeni.
Ayeni, a lieutenant colonel, said traders and other law-abiding citizens would be protected with all necessary security measures, noting that security forces remain fully deployed and on high alert across the region.
According to him, intelligence-led kinetic operations are ongoing to dismantle the remnants of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), from their hideouts.
“The Headquarters, 82 Division, wishes to commend the courageous and patriotic traders of Onitsha Main Market for their patriotic decision to reopen their businesses after years of succumbing to empty threats of enemies of the nation,” Ayeni said.
“This bold step represents a collective stand for peace, security, and economic progress in Anambra State and the South-East region.”
He said criminal elements posing as freedom fighters had, for years, instilled fear and disrupted the livelihoods of citizens, stressing that their activities were aimed at crippling commerce, destabilising communities and eroding confidence in government institutions.
“Their action, which was designed to instil fear, cripple commerce, destabilise communities, and erode confidence in government institutions, has long been defused, but the courage of these patriotic traders has authenticated the giant strides by the security agencies,” he said.
“By rejecting intimidation and resuming business, they have demonstrated resilience and a firm commitment to peace and progress.”
Ayeni urged residents of the state to continue their lawful activities without fear, shun intimidation and “embrace courage in the face of empty threats”.
He added that the Nigerian Army remained ready to defend the people against individuals and groups bent on undermining the economic prosperity of the South-east.
“All criminal elements are hereby warned to lay down their arms, renounce violence, and embrace peace,” he said.
“Unrepentant criminals will face the full weight of the law and the decisive force of the security agencies, as no hiding place will shield them from justice.”
The army spokesperson reiterated the division’s commitment to protecting lives and property, defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, and ensuring peace across the region, while calling on the public to ignore false threats intended to undermine security efforts.
Ayeni said the division would continue to work closely with civil authorities, traditional institutions and other security agencies to guarantee lasting peace and security, urging the public to provide credible intelligence to enable prompt action.
Meanwhile, the division said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Oluremi Fadairo, had commended the Anambra State Government for its political will.
Fadairo, a major-general, was quoted as saying that the state government’s support had been crucial to ongoing efforts to end terrorism and restore normalcy in the region.
“The government collaboration with security agencies has strengthened confidence and provided the enabling environment for commerce to thrive,” he said.
Governor Charles Soludo had ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market about a week ago after observing widespread compliance with IPOB’s sit-at-home directive. The market reopened on Monday after traders defied the directive and resumed business activities.