A cross section of Onitsha market traders,
The Nigerian Army has reassured traders at the Onitsha Main Market and other major commercial centres in the South-East of adequate security, urging them to go about their lawful businesses without fear.
The assurance was given by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu.
Ayeni said the Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains fully deployed and on high alert to protect law-abiding citizens and sustain economic activities across the region.
He noted that intelligence-led kinetic operations were ongoing to dismantle the remaining criminal elements of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Commending traders at the Onitsha Main Market for reopening their shops despite years of threats, Ayeni described the move as a courageous and patriotic stand for peace, security and economic revival in Anambra State and the wider South-East.
According to him, criminal groups posing as freedom fighters had for years instilled fear, disrupted commerce and undermined livelihoods, but their capacity to intimidate citizens had been significantly degraded.
“Their actions were intended to instill fear, cripple commerce, destabilise communities and erode confidence in government institutions. These threats have long been defused, and the bold decision of traders to resume business validates the giant strides recorded by security agencies,” he said.
The Army spokesman urged residents to reject intimidation, remain law-abiding and embrace courage in the face of what he described as “empty threats,” assuring that the military stands ready to defend the people and protect economic prosperity in the region.
He warned criminal elements to lay down their arms and embrace peace, stressing that unrepentant offenders would face the full force of the law, with no hiding place from justice.
Ayeni reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, and working closely with civil authorities, traditional institutions and other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and stability.
He also called on members of the public to provide credible intelligence on security threats to enable prompt response, adding that collective efforts would defeat terrorism in the region.
The spokesman further disclosed that the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, and Commander Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, had commended the Anambra State Government for its political will and support.
He noted that the collaboration between the state government and security agencies had strengthened public confidence and created an enabling environment for commerce to thrive.
