Residents of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory have been heaving a sigh of relief following intensified military operations that have curbed the activities of criminal gangs operating in the area.
Some of the residents spoken to by our correspondent averred that house to house robbery and other sundry crimes have reduced greatly which made the Easter and Sallah celebrations peaceful.
John Ibekwe a resident of Angwan Gede observed that although in the last two weeks, a trend by criminal gangs harassing residents and shop owner was on the increase but with the combined efforts of security agencies particularly the Army, the gangs seemed to have disappeared into thin air.
“I have seen the Army on countless occasion respond to distress calls within minutes and this is quite unprecedented. I believe there’s something the Commanders within these areas are doing differently.”
He commended the Civil-Military approach the Army particularly the Guards Brigade is deploying to win the hearts of residents who now have more confidence to approach them whenever the need arises.
John Frank who runs a local bar around Kuchiyako neighborhood, while acknowledging the improved security situation said the residents need to support the troops by providing credible information to troops on suspicious activities of criminals in the area.
“They are here because of us so we must give them the necessary support to aid their work. If I see strange faces here it is my responsibility to alert the troops”
Aliyu a member of the vigilante said they are happy with the policy of the Nigerian Army to engage them in intelligence gathering which has continued to keep criminals faraway from their locality.
“Because the Army is encouraging us, we are also helping to provide information if we notice the presence of harmful elements.”
Although the operations of the military are yeilding successes, one resident have observed that it is sending people back indoors earlier than necessary which may also affect economic activities.
Recall that in October 2023, the Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya launched Ex Enduring Peace, sequel to Exercise Olode M’Ole a combined Operations involving other Security agencies which is equally yeilding successes.
