On Thursday, the first deployment of Army personnel, by the Nigerian Army headquarters, arrived Ado- Ekiti as part of efforts to enhance security throughout Ekiti State.
The military officers arrived in Ado-Ekiti around 9 o’clock in the morning and gathered at Fajuyi Pavilion, where they conducted a parade before dispersing to various locations to commence their operations.
The troop was received by Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Gen. Ogundana explained that the deployment of military personnel followed extensive deliberations between the Governor and Service Chiefs in Abuja, prompted by recent violent incidents in the state, including the gruesome killing of two monarchs and the abduction of some school children and their teachers.
He emphasized the state’s unwavering stance against criminal activities and reiterated the determination of the state government to ensure that forests serving as hideouts for criminal elements are thoroughly searched and rid the state of all criminal infiltrators.
Gen. Ogundana added that the state would leave no stone unturned in the bid to preserve lives and properties of citizens.
While urging residents to maintain calm and carry on with their daily activities without fear but, he urged them to promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
Justifying Governor Oyebanji’s multifaceted approach to combating criminality, Gen Ogundana said government would continue to safeguard the lives and properties of Ekiti State citizens by all possible means, even while working hard to bring all perpetrators of the heinous crimes to book.
Welcoming the soldiers to the State, Gen Ogundana assured them of the state government’s comprehensive preparation to support their mission and make their stay in the state worthwhile.
Briefing Journalists shortly after their parade, the Commander of the troop, Brig. Gen, John Lar, said the men and officers were on special mission to comb the various hideouts of criminals and bandits in their various hiding places in the forests.
Brig. Gen. Lar affirmed that the activities of the military in the state would commence immediately as he sought cooperation of residents during the military exercise in the state to enable them achieve the desired success.
He commended the Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, for deploying additional troops to support and strengthen military activities in the state, adding that they were set to expose hideouts of all bandits and criminals in the state.
While stressing that the military would work all days and nights to clear the forests of infiltrators, Brig. Gen. Lar, disclosed that the military personnel would be swiftly deployed to their designated positions, emphasizing on heightened border surveillance to dismantle criminal networks operating within the forests.