20110203
Xinhua
LAGOS Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian troops operating in southeast Abia State said it has recorded 95 percent success in checking the spate of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.



Maj.-Gen Sarkin Bello, the general officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, said this on Wednesday when he visited Governor Peter Obi of Anambra.

Bello said the operation to rid the state of criminals, especially kidnappers, would continue until lasting peace is achieved there and in other parts of the southeast.

The GOC, who observed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubike Ihejirika is transforming the army, added that the 82 Division has established the 14 Brigade Commands at Ohafia in Abia.

He added that the division has also established other operational bases in parts of the state to beef up security network.

He promised to extend what has been achieved in Abia in terms of security to other parts in the southeast and thanked Obi for the support given the army.

Earlier, the governor gave the assurance that the state government would continue to support the army to ensure adequate security of lives and property in the state.

He commended the GOC and his men for their efforts toward restoring peace in Abia and urged them to do more.