82-DIVISION GOC FADAIRO STORMS IMO ON FIRST OFFICIAL TOUR, ORDERS STRONGER SECURITY OPERATIONS AND DIRECT STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
By Emeka Amaefula
In a decisive show of leadership and operational urgency, Major General O.A. Fadairo, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, stormed the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Imo State, on a strategic two-day inaugural visit that signaled a new tempo in the Nigerian Army’s security push across the South-East.
From November 19 to 20, 2025, the GOC moved through the Brigade’s facilities, frontline units, and community engagement points with a hands-on approach that left officers, soldiers, and local stakeholders with one clear message: operations must intensify, coordination must tighten, and results must improve.
His arrival to the Obinze military formation was marked by a ceremonial welcome led by the Brigade Commander and Local OPUK Commander, Brigadier General I.M. Abbas, who offered a detailed briefing on ongoing achievements, operational needs, and difficult terrains the troops continue to confront. Major General Fadairo—calm, firm, and mission-driven—responded with powerful words of encouragement, delivering the goodwill of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and reminding troops that professionalism, discipline, and vigilance remain non-negotiable pillars of the Nigerian Army.
The GOC did not restrict himself to office briefings. He advanced to active operational locations in Mbaitoli, Njaba, Oru East, and Okigwe, meeting troops facing real-time threats and applauding their courage. He challenged them to raise their operational tempo, maintain their equipment with strict discipline, and remain laser-focused on the overarching objective: the total suppression of insecurity across the region.
But the heart of his visit extended beyond frontline soldiers. Major General Fadairo held meaningful engagements with various segments of the Imo State Traditional Council and paid a significant courtesy call on the Eze Imo and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, CFR. He emphasized that community cooperation is indispensable in modern counter-crime efforts and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s readiness to deepen civil-military relations for sustainable peace.
He also met with the Nigerian Army Wives Association (NAOWA), appreciating their contribution to troop morale and listening to issues affecting military families—an essential component of operational readiness often overlooked.
Further strengthening his command oversight, the GOC visited the Headquarters Maritime Component at the Nigerian Navy Base and the Headquarters Air Component of Operation UDO KA, reinforcing a multi-service synergy that is key to dominating the security landscape of the South-East.
By the end of his mission, Major General Fadairo had left no doubt about his commitment to restoring stability in Imo State and beyond. His engagements, field assessments, and directives echoed a commander determined to close security gaps, elevate troop motivation, and ensure that the Nigerian Army remains steps ahead of emerging threats.
The GOC’s inaugural visit was more than familiarization—it was a signal flare:
a renewed era of intensified operations, stronger partnerships, and uncompromising pursuit of peace across the South-East.
————–Emeka Amaefula ——+234(0)8111813069—–
