GOC 82 DIVISION VISITS EZE IMO, SEEKS STRONGER TIES WITH TRADITIONAL RULERS

Owerri, Imo State, 20 November 2025

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General OA Fadairo, has reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to strengthening civil–military cooperation and deepening its engagement with traditional institutions across the South East. He gave this assurance during a recent courtesy visit to Eze Imo, His Royal Highness Eze Okeke (CFR), in Owerri, Imo State, as part of his operational tour of formations, units, and key stakeholders within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.

Major General Fadairo, who was warmly received by the revered royal father and other traditional rulers, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interface with the custodians of culture, harmony, and grassroots peace. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains a people-centred institution, relying heavily on community support, cooperation, and credible local intelligence to sustain peace and stability.
Speaking during the visit, the GOC noted: “It is a great pleasure to be in your midst this afternoon. We believe in working closely with our royal fathers because we have a common goal—to ensure lasting peace and stability in the South East. I will continue to visit from time to time for your royal blessings, guidance, and words of wisdom.”

He assured the traditional rulers that the Army would continue to appreciate and reciprocate their unwavering support, noting that such cooperation remains crucial to the ongoing non-kinetic efforts aimed at deepening trust and enhancing community partnership.
In his response, His Royal Highness Eze Okeke expressed delight at the GOC’s visit, describing it as a commendable initiative that reinforces confidence between the military and the civilian population. He reaffirmed the readiness of traditional leaders to remain steadfast partners in the quest for peace.

The royal father applauded the Nigerian Army for its sustained contributions to regional security, particularly acknowledging the effectiveness of the non-kinetic approaches deployed to win hearts and minds. He offered special commendation to the commander and troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade for their professionalism, versatility, and proactive measures in addressing security challenges across Imo State.
Eze Okeke further declared that the state now enjoys enhanced peace, attributing this achievement in part to the Nigerian Army’s consistent efforts and strategic collaboration with traditional institutions.

The visit, which further strengthened the bond between the military and traditional leadership, is viewed as a timely and strategic step toward consolidating stability in Imo State and the broader South East region.
OLABISI OLALEKAN AYENI
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
82 Division, Nigerian Army
20 November 2025