Nwifuru Hails Tinubu, Army Chiefs for Restoring Security, Establishing Military Depot in Ebonyi

By Zagazola Makama

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigerian Army for transforming the state’s security landscape, saying the establishment of the Nigerian Army Depot in Mmasiara and decisive military operations against separatist violence have ushered in a new era of peace and development.

The governor spoke while receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who visited the Government House in Abakaliki ahead of the passing-out parade of recruits of the 99 Regular Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot, Mmasiara on Tuesday.

Nwifuru described the establishment of the depot as one of the most significant federal investments ever made in Ebonyi State, saying it was both historic and unexpected.

He said he was overwhelmed by the decision of the Nigerian Army to site such a strategic military institution in Ebonyi, a state he noted had long felt overlooked in terms of major federal establishments.

“What the Chief of Army Staff has done for this great state is very shocking and unbelievable. It is wonderful and highly commendable. For us to have a Nigerian Army training depot here is a landmark achievement and the first of its kind in our history,” he said.

The governor attributed the establishment of the depot to the support and vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as another demonstration of the President’s commitment to equity, national integration and inclusive development.

Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Nwifuru noted that despite the President receiving relatively few votes in Ebonyi State, his administration had continued to demonstrate fairness to the state through key appointments and developmental projects.

He recalled that one of the President’s earliest decisions after assuming office was appointing an indigene of Ebonyi as Minister of Works, describing the appointment as unprecedented.

“For the first time since Nigeria’s independence, an Igbo man from Ebonyi State became Minister of Works. It is one of the most strategic ministries in the Federal Government today and reflects President Tinubu’s belief in fairness rather than politics,” he said.

The governor also recounted the severe security challenges that confronted the state at the height of attacks by suspected members of the outlawed separatist group known as the Eastern Security Network (ESN), saying several communities were under siege while residents lived in fear.

According to him, the situation changed dramatically following the intervention of the then Chief of Army Staff, who deployed a new General Officer Commanding to oversee military operations in the state.

Nwifuru praised the commander for adopting an aggressive operational strategy that rapidly dismantled criminal strongholds and restored public confidence.

He said the commander combined operational effectiveness with strong leadership, motivating officers and soldiers through an effective reward system that boosted morale and encouraged exceptional performance.

“The officer understood that recognising gallantry immediately inspires others to do more. That philosophy transformed the fighting spirit of the troops and changed the security environment in Ebonyi,” he said.

The governor recalled one of the defining operations in which troops confronted heavily armed ESN fighters who had attacked a police formation.

He said while security personnel initially faced overwhelming firepower from the attackers, the Army commander personally led the assault, directing armoured vehicles into the battle despite the risks.

According to him, the operation resulted in the neutralisation of the armed attackers and marked a turning point in the fight against violent criminal groups operating in the state.

“That operation changed the psychology of both the criminals and the people. From that day, once communities heard that the Nigerian Army was responding, confidence returned because people knew the Army would confront the criminals decisively,” he said.

Nwifuru said the bravery displayed by the troops strengthened the relationship between the military and local communities and encouraged the state government to continue supporting security agencies through logistics, welfare and operational assistance.

He expressed appreciation to the officers and soldiers serving in Ebonyi, noting that many had risked their lives to restore peace across previously troubled communities.

The governor assured the Chief of Army Staff of his administration’s continued support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, stressing that sustained collaboration remained essential to preserving the peace and stability currently enjoyed across the state.

He also commended President Tinubu for strengthening the Armed Forces and supporting initiatives aimed at improving military infrastructure, manpower development and national security.

Nwifuru Hails Tinubu, Army Chiefs for Restoring Security, Establishing Military Depot in Ebonyi