COAS Hails Troops’ Resilience in Clearing IPOB/ESN Strongholds in South East
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended troops of Operation UDO KA for their resilience, gallantry, and sustained offensive operations against criminal elements linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the South East.
The commendation was delivered during the COAS Special Sallah Luncheon held at Mother Valley—a location previously identified as a major insurgent stronghold in Orsu Local Government Area.
Represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, the COAS conveyed the appreciation of Army leadership to frontline troops for their unwavering commitment and recent operational successes.
He noted that the troops’ ability to clear entrenched hideouts and dismantle terrorist networks—despite persistent improvised explosive device (IED) threats—underscores the Nigerian Army’s combat effectiveness and growing operational dominance in the theatre.
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Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains a disciplined, professional, and mission-oriented force, resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and safeguard lives and property.
He also lauded the General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, for fostering inter-agency synergy through effective collaboration with sister services, other security agencies, and host communities.
According to him, such cooperation continues to enhance intelligence-driven operations and deliver significant gains in the ongoing campaign.
In line with the Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, the COAS extended goodwill to wounded personnel currently receiving medical care, assuring them of sustained institutional support for their welfare and recovery.
The Nigerian Army said the event reflects ongoing progress in degrading hostile elements and restoring normalcy across the South East.
It also called on residents to sustain cooperation with security agencies by providing credible and timely information, stressing that collective efforts remain vital to consolidating recent gains and achieving lasting peace in the region.
The statement was signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, on 21 March 2026.
