Army Commander assures, ready to tackle criminality in Abia

The Army is combat-ready against security challenges, crime, and criminality in Abia state, says the new commander of 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig Gen Solomon Kumapayi.

During a courtesy visit to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the Government House, Umuahia, Kumapayi added that the Army is committed to the task’s success, Leadership reports.

The Army commander pointed out that the key areas of concern are armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and drug abuse. He, however, commended the level of security in the state.

Kumapayi explained that he had visited the governor to inform the latter that he had assumed office in the state.

He pointed out that the challenges were not peculiar to Abia alone, and sought the cooperation of the state to achieve the objectives.

In response, the governor decried the increasing proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country, with its attendant potential to get into wrong hands.

He urged security agencies to rise to the challenge posed by kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism which have become major areas of concern for the government.

He said: “As a state with a lot of emphasis on the development of the local economy and job creation, our huge investments in security and peace is understandable.”

Ikpeazu pointed out that Abia state has a great potential of being infiltrated by suspected criminals, as it shares borders with seven neighbours.

He added: “Security of lives and property in the state remain the fulcrum of the policy framework of this administration.”

The governor used the occasion to thank the Army and other security agencies for their respective contributions to the state’s security and development.

He wished the new commander a successful stay in the state, and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the work of security agencies.