The new Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment (GS), Onitsha Anambra State, Col. Adamu Muhammad has expressed the preparedness of the army to do their best in internal security in Anambra State despite whatever odds.
Col. Muhammad on Friday gave the assurance when he received a team of journalists from the State who paid him a courtesy visi.
He said that a lot of measures were being put in place for adequate security in Anambra which were not for public consumption.
One of the early achievements of Col. Muhammad’s leadership was the rescue of 10 journalists who were kidnapped in Anambra in the recent time.
A swift military intervention has saved the lives of the 10 journalists and other travelers who were attacked while on their way to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for the Nigeria-Libya AFCON qualifier.
The group, traveling in a chartered bus, was ambushed in Iseke Community in Ihiala Local Government Area, after detouring into Imo State. The attack, suspected to be orchestrated by anti-state elements, resulted in the tragic death of a police officer and a journalist.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Army from Onitsha responded quickly after being alerted to the situation. Their prompt action led to the rescue of six victims, with four more freed shortly after. However, two individuals are still missing as of the latest reports, though the Army is continuing its operations to locate them.
One of the eyewitnesses, who requested anonymity, expressed gratitude for the Army’s swift response and urged local communities to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities to security agencies. “Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he emphasized.
The operation was supported by technical and logistics assistance from the 34 Artillery Brigade Owerri and 82 Division Enugu, ensuring the troops from Onitsha were well-equipped to handle the crisis. The search for the remaining victims continues.
