Okezie Ikpeazu 
Hope Uzodinma
Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia States launch Nigerian Army’s Operation Golden Dawn in their states.
Enugu Metro reported that Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya performed the flag-off ceremonies in Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra States yesterday.
Also, in Imo Gov. Uzodinma yesterday visited the 34 Artillery Brigade Forward Operation Base in his native Orlu to perform the flag-off.
However, Abia Gov. Ikpeazu left the task for his Health Commissioner, Dr. Joe Osuji. The flag-off took place at the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Umuahia, the capital.
Both Governors warned criminals in their states to leave town as they will be caught and be made to face justice.
Gov. Uzodinma asked the army and other security officials to consolidate the gains being made to deal with criminal elements.
“Exercises such as this will greatly destabilize and bring to a halt the activities of hoodlums, kidnappers, cultists among other criminal elements,” he said.
The Commander, Brig. Gen. Raymond Utsaha, agreed that the exercise will curb criminal activities especially during the Yuletide season.
In addition, it will also “guarantee public safety and continuity of socio-economic activities,” he said.
“The exercise is also geared towards consolidating the ongoing operations against the proscribed terrorist groups within Imo State in particular and South East in general,” he said.
Soldiers distribute textbooks in Abia
In Abia, hundreds of pupils received free educational material from the 14 Brigade soldiers.
Pupils of Ogbekwe Primary School in Asaga Ohafia received the books from the State Health Commissioner on Tuesday, 5 October.
Gov. Ikpeazu told the Army that his state “places high premium in flushing out criminals” from Abia state.
The Commander, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Bello Wabili told the Governor that the exercise is all embracing.
It will be conducted with sister services and other security agencies “and will dovetail to real time situation especially as the ember month approaches.”
Wabili called for support from the populace through giving timely and useful information on the hideouts of criminals in the State.
Governors launch Operation Golden Dawn in Imo, Abia
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