The commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Obinze, near Owerri, Usman Lawal, has declared Imo safe for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The commander said this while addressing journalists in Owerri on Saturday, following a raid of troubled spots in the state by a combined team of security operatives.

The joint team comprised the military, police, SSS and NSCDC.

Mr Lawal said the security forces had successfully decimated criminal elements in Ezioha and Eziama Obiato Communities of Mbaitoli council area of the state as well as other terrorised areas in Oru East and Njaba council areas, where some bandits had gone into hiding.

He commended the personnel of the joint team for their gallantry in ensuring peace returned to the localities. He assured the Imo people that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that they could return home for the festivities.

He, therefore, called on the residents to go about their legitimate businesses as their lives and property would be protected at all costs.

Police commissioner Aboki Danjuma said the essence of the operation was to restore the public’s love and confidence in the security agents to safeguard lives and property.

Also, Joseph Chima, the special adviser on security matters to the Imo governor, gave assurance that the government would do everything within its powers to ensure adequate security to enable the people to return to their homes, especially during the Yuletide.

(NAN)