The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade has urged the good people of Abia State to disregard the misinformation especially on social media about EGWU EKE 2 which he described as normal routine Nigerian Army training exercise currently on-going in in parts of South East and hosted by 14 Brigade, Umuahia.
According to a statement signed by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Kingsley Umoh, Maj Gen Oyebade gave this advice while paying a courtesy visit on His Royal Majesty Eze Eberechi Dick at his palace in Mgboko Anya Autonomous Community Abia state in his capacity as the Chairman Abia State traditional rulers Council.
The visit was part of activities in continuation of the monitoring and observation of Ex EGWU EKE 2 at Sector 1(HQ 14 Brigade) by the two-man Army Headquarters team comprising the GOC 1 Div, Maj Gen A Oyebade and Acting Corps Commander Ordnance, Brig Gen Joel Unuigbe.
They were accompanied on the visit by the Commander Sector 1 (14 Brigade).
During the visit, the GOC conveyed the best wishes of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to the good people of the state and indeed the South East. In response, the traditional rulers thanked the COAS for sending such a high powered delegation and informed the GOC that they were committed to the idea of one Nigeria and would support the government to maintain peace. The meeting ended on a cordial note.
The GOC also held a meeting with heads of various security agencies in Abia State which includes the ComPol Abia State Command, State Dir of the DSS, State Commandant of the NSCDC, Rep of Immigration Boss etc.
He commended the warm synergy amongst them that would help to checkmate criminality in the zone.
The GOC also interacted with the traders while visiting troops deployment. He also implored the Brigade officers to ensure that all operations were carried out in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement, Code of Conduct and observation of human rights.
He reminded all the officers to always be professional, loyal to the constitution, and to Mr President/Commander in Chief.
