Army to sustain offensive against separatists in southeast Nigeria, commander says

The Nigerian Army says it will maintain its offensive against separatist groups and other criminals in the southeast, even as the commander of 82 Division described the security situation in the area as relatively stable and firmly under control.

Major General Oluremi Fadairo, the division’s commanding officer and commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, said troops had continued to degrade the operational capabilities of the Indigenous People of Biafra, the Eastern Security Network and other criminal groups. He attributed the progress to intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and targeted clearance missions that dismantled hideouts and restricted the groups’ freedom of action.

Fadairo spoke at the headquarters of 82 Division in Enugu while addressing participants in Army War College Nigeria Course 10/2026. Their operational theatre visit began on 3 September and ended on 6 September. The programme included tours of operational sectors, a visit to the National War Museum, wargaming exercises and presentations on the achievements and challenges of Operation UDO KA.

The commander said troops still needed continuous operational assessments, intelligence exploitation and adaptable security responses to eliminate remaining threats. He told the participants to use the knowledge gained during the visit to develop sustainable strategies for the security challenges facing Nigeria.

Preparations are under way for intensified dry-season operations under Operation Eastern Sanity II. Fadairo said security forces would remain proactive and focused on protecting lives and property while denying criminal groups the chance to establish new footholds. “The armed forces will continue to employ lawful and decisive measures against elements whose activities threaten national security,” he said. He added that the division would continue working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders.

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The armed forces will continue to employ lawful and decisive measures against elements whose activities threaten national security.