Army to sustain offensive against separatists in South-east – GOC

Major-General Oluremi Fadairo

Major-General Oluremi Fadairo, serving as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has publicly reaffirmed the military's unwavering commitment to confronting separatist groups and criminal elements within the South-east region. His statement underscores the persistent security challenges faced by Nigeria in this area, where various non-state actors continue to disrupt peace and order. The GOC's declaration signals a clear intent from the military leadership to maintain an aggressive posture rather than de-escalate operations.

This pronouncement by Major-General Fadairo was delivered during an Operational Theatre Visit by participants of the Army War College Nigeria Course 10/2026 to the Headquarters 82 Division in Enugu. Such visits are crucial for senior military officers to gain firsthand understanding of ongoing operations and strategic directives. His address serves not only as an internal directive but also as a public message to both the affected communities and the groups targeted by the military.

82 Division

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army is specifically tasked with maintaining security and stability across the South-east geopolitical zone. Its mandate includes combating various forms of insurgency, banditry, and separatist activities that have plagued the region for several years. The division's sustained offensive reflects a broader national security strategy aimed at restoring governmental authority and ensuring the safety of citizens in areas prone to unrest.

The commitment to "deal decisively" with criminals highlights the robust approach adopted by the Nigerian Army. This strategy often involves extensive patrols, intelligence-led operations, and direct engagements with armed groups. The effectiveness of these operations is critical for the region's economic stability and the daily lives of its inhabitants, who frequently bear the brunt of insecurity.

Operation UDO KA

Operation UDO KA is the specific joint task force under which the 82 Division operates in the South-east. The name itself, meaning "peace first" or "peace comes first" in Igbo, suggests the ultimate objective of the military intervention, despite the offensive nature of the operations. This operation is designed to coordinate efforts across various security agencies to tackle the multifaceted security threats prevalent in the region.

The continuation of Operation UDO KA signifies that the Nigerian government perceives the separatist and criminal activities as a significant and ongoing threat requiring sustained military pressure. The long-term success of such operations will depend not only on military might but also on addressing the underlying socio-economic and political grievances that often fuel these movements. The GOC's statement reinforces the immediate priority of kinetic action to neutralize threats.