Maj.-Gen. Olayinka Oshinowo, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, on Saturday urged residents of Anambra to volunteer information on criminals in the area.
Oshinowo made the appeal at the 2012 West African Social Activities (WASA) of the Nigerian Army held at the Onitsha Military Cantonment, Anambra.
The GOC, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Alkali, Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze, near Owerri, said that the army would treat the information given with utmost confidentiality.
“All people in Anambra State should co-operate and give information to the security forces. The security forces are co-operating with one another, there is synergy for each information sharing and intelligence.
“And once this information is given, the Army will protect the identity of person who brings the information.
“Feel free, bring the information, you would be protected and the Army would use that information to deal with any situation.
“Just do your celebration, do your ceremony free, the Army is ready to provide adequate security for everybody.’’
On WASA, the GOC said that the event was meant to provide the opportunity for the Army and members of the public to interact and for the Army to take stock on its activities for the year.
“The Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government is desirous of transforming the Nigerian Army into a force better and able to confront the contemporary security challenges.
“We take our stock, review it, and see where we would improve; particularly with the current security challenges in the country.’’
Earlier, Col. Taritimiye Gagariga, Commander, Military Cantonment Onitsha, commended the continued support given to the Army by Gov. Peter Obi and the people of Anambra? in the discharge of its internal security duties.
“A lot of successes have been recorded by the 2 units. They include a satisfactory performance in ensuring peace and security in Anambra State and its environs.
“Some of these successes have been made possible through your support such as the cordial civil-military relations existing in Anambra State; the co-operation and support from the para-military and other security agencies.’’ (NAN)