Soludo meets 82nd Army Division GOC, seeks sustained Collaboration to root out Criminals

Soludo and the 82nd Army Division GOC at the meeting at Governor's Lodge, Amawbia

Benson Odidika

Awka

 

In line with his vision to boost security across the state, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on Wednesday, received the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Thomas Olatoye.

Soludo received Major General Olatoye alongside his commanders at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

Major Gen. Olatoye took over as the 39th GOC of the Division in-charge of five South East states as well as Cross River State on the 28th of January, 2025.

The meeting was aimed at discussing collaborative efforts between the state government and the military to ensure the safety and security of Ndi Anambra, in the face of security challenges.

Both parties shared insights on recent developments in the region and explored strategies to enhance military-civilian relationships.

In his remarks, Soludo emphasized the state’s commitment to working closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army to address ongoing issues and forms of crime that have impacted Anambra’s local communities.

Assuring the GOC of continuous support from the administration in logistics and other operational mechanisms that will strengthen the military's capability to effectively eliminate any vestige of insecurity in the state and the entire South East zone, Soludo stressed that security ranks as a top priority for the government.

The governor expressed the state’s readiness to sustain the onslaught against criminal gangs and their criminal activities to enable private investments and businesses to flourish and expand the economy.

Major General Olatoye expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and reiterated the Division’s readiness to collaborate with the state government, highlighting recent military operations aimed at curbing insecurity.

He assured the governor of the army’s continuous efforts to protect the lives and properties of Ndị Anambra.

“All I know is that we can get it better. I have interacted with the governor, and he has told me some plans he has regarding Anambra State.

“I want to state here before everyone that ours is to collaborate with you to take Anambra State to a greater height,” he further noted.