By Harriet Tornguvan
The Headquarters of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has applauded the Ezeagu Council of Traditional Rulers in Enugu State for condemning the recent attack on military personnel at Imezi Owa community in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Division described the stance of the traditional rulers as a strong demonstration of support for peace, truth and security in the South East.
The commendation followed a communiqué issued by the Ezeagu Council of Traditional Rulers and signed by the Chairman of the Council, HRH Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, and the Secretary, HRH Igwe Dr Raphael Okolo.
According to the communiqué, the traditional rulers unequivocally condemned the unlawful attack carried out against troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA, at Imezi Owa on May 6, 2026.
The Army noted that the position of the traditional institution reinforced its earlier statement which disclosed that troops successfully repelled the attack launched by suspected armed terrorists during an intelligence-led operation in the community.
The Council reportedly expressed concern over the incident, condemned the actions of the attackers and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. The royal fathers also urged residents of Ezeagu to continue supporting the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in efforts to maintain peace and security in the area.
The traditional rulers further commended the Enugu State Government for its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that lasting peace could only be achieved through collaboration among traditional institutions, government and security agencies.
Reacting to the communiqué, the 82 Division said the development underscored the importance of effective civil-military relations in combating criminality and consolidating peace across the South-East region.
The Division also urged residents of Ezeagu and neighbouring communities to expose individuals providing safe havens for criminal elements, warning that such actions undermine collective security and community development.
The Army described the communiqué as a validation of its operational approach and evidence of ongoing collaboration with community stakeholders in restoring peace within its area of responsibility.
It assured the public that no life was lost during the incident, adding that injured personnel were receiving adequate medical attention.
The statement added that Operation EASTERN SANITY would continue to target and dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the region in order to deny criminal groups freedom of action and sustain the relative peace already achieved in the South-East.
The Division further called on law-abiding citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and resist attempts by criminal elements and their sympathisers to spread misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in the military.
It reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to
