The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, has linked security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra, the Eastern Security Network, to recent killings and terror attacks on Anambra State and the South-East in general.
Gambo stated this during a visit to the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, at the Governor’s Lodge, Onitsha.
While condemning the recent killing of four naval men in Anambra State, Gambo urged his men in the state not to be discouraged.
He said, “I am here on an operational visit to the Onitsha Naval Outpost. We wouldn’t have been here but for expediency following the two separate incidents we had last week that led to the loss of some of our men and two weapons.
“Even though the attack was not limited to our men, because I understand that the correctional service team conveying a suspect to the court was also attacked.
“I’m here to reassure our staff at the naval outpost who have been here since 2010 to redouble their efforts and to be more alert based on the potent threats we’re observing now from the Eastern Security Network, the security arm of IPOB.
“We’re working in conjunction with the armed services and security agencies to ensure we bring lasting peace to this state, which has been peaceful for quite a long time now.
“This is in line with Mr President’s directives after our inauguration as service chiefs to put heads together to ensure we change the deepening insecurity situation around the country so our people can have peace and do their job well.”
Acknowledging the support and succour given to the fallen naval personnel, including those of the Nigerian police by the state government, Gambo pledged continued support to ensure permanent peace returned to the state.
Obiano appreciated the naval chief for his response during the ugly development.
