New Army Commander Warns Criminal Elements To Surrender Arms In Imo

The newly appointed Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Abass, has issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating in Imo State to surrender their arms or face the full force of the military under his command.

Brig.-Gen. Abass delivered the warning during the formal handover ceremony at the 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze, Owerri, where he officially took over from the outgoing commander, Brig.-Gen. Usman Lawal.

In a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Capt Joseph Akubo, Gen. Abass stressed that criminals within the state would find it increasingly difficult to operate under his leadership. He called on those involved in criminal activities to immediately lay down their arms and surrender.

“I sternly warn all criminal elements operating in the state to come out of the bushes, lay down their arms, and surrender. We will not tolerate criminal activities in this region,” Brig.-Gen. Abass said. He also reassured the troops that his commitment to the ongoing fight against crime and ensuring peace in the state remains unwavering.

The new commander emphasized that, while there may be a change in leadership, the resolve to eliminate criminal elements from the state will not change. He encouraged the troops to maintain their vigilance and continue showing strength in their operations against criminal groups.

In his address, Brig.-Gen. Abass also made it clear that he would prioritize the welfare of the troops and work towards further enhancing the Brigade’s administrative, operational, and training achievements. In addition to his role as Brigade Commander, he will also serve as the Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Udo Ka.

Reflecting on his tenure, the outgoing commander, Brig.-Gen. Usman Lawal, highlighted the significant progress made during his time at the helm. He noted that under his command, the rate of kidnapping and other criminal activities had been drastically reduced, leading to greater security in the state.

“Kidnapping has been reduced to the barest minimum during my time as Brigade Commander,” Lawal stated. He also urged the troops to continue their efforts in curbing the activities of terrorists linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as other criminal factions.

Brig.-Gen. Lawal credited the improved security situation in Imo State to the collaborative efforts of the troops and other security agencies, noting that peace could not have been achieved without their sustained efforts.

As Brig.-Gen. Abass takes charge, his primary focus will be on continuing these efforts and ensuring that criminal groups are unable to destabilize the peace achieved in the region.