The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Oluremi Fadairo, has reaffirmed the division’s commitment to sustaining decisive military operations against separatist groups in the South-east.

Mr Fadairo, ‌‌‍‌‍⁠⁠‌‍‍‌‌‌‍‌who is a major-general and the commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, said the division would continue to deal decisively with criminals undermining peace and security in the South-east.

The GOC disclosed this while addressing participants of Army War College Nigeria Course 10/2026 during their Operational Theatre Visit to Headquarters 82 Division, Enugu on Monday.

The visit, which forms a critical component of the course, formally commenced on 3 September and concluded on 6 September.

Mr Fadairo noted that the security situation within the division’s area of responsibility remained relatively stable and firmly under control.

According to him, this is because troops continue to degrade the operational capabilities of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Eastern Security Network and other criminal groups.

He highlighted that sustained intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols, and targeted clearance missions had dismantled criminal hideouts and disrupted their activities, significantly restricting their freedom of action across the region.

The GOC noted the successes recorded by troops in stabilising the South-east, while stressing that continuous operational assessment, intelligence exploitation, and adaptive security responses are essential to completely eliminate residual threats.

He charged the participants to leverage the knowledge and operational insights gained during the study tour to develop innovative and sustainable strategies for addressing contemporary security challenges confronting the nation.

Mr Fadairo further emphasised the importance of security forces remaining proactive, intelligence-led, and resolutely focused on protecting lives and property, while denying criminals any opportunity to establish operational footholds.

He disclosed that preparations are underway for intensified dry-season operations under Operation EASTERN SANITY II, with emphasis on maintaining operational pressure and preventing the resurgence of criminal networks.

“The armed forces will continue to employ lawful and decisive measures against elements whose activities threaten national security,” he said.

The GOC said the division would continue to discharge its duties in close coordination with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.

Major highlights of the visit included tours of sectors’ areas of responsibilities, a visit to the National War Museum, wargaming exercises, and a series of presentations on the operational achievements and challenges of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA.

These sessions provided participants with practical insights into the operational environment, lessons learned, and the complexities of countering asymmetric threats in the South-east.

They were also provided insights on ongoing peace-building processes aimed at consolidating stability in the region.

(NAN)