Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Council of Enugu State, Barr. Chijioke Ezugwu, on Thursday, launched “Operation Kwechiri”, a special security force to strengthen the war against insecurity in the area.
DAILY POST reports that 320 trained vigilante operatives have been deployed for the operation.
As part of the security campaign, Ezugwu also launched four security vehicles, comprising one Hillux gun truck, three Sienna vans and 25 motorcycles to the local Neighborhood Watch, a strategy designed to keep the 16 political wards in the LGA under a 24-hour security surveillance.
Speaking during the event to inaugurate the security arrangement and equipment at Nkpologu Ward in Thursday, Barr. Ezugwu described “Operation Kwechiri Special Security Squad,” as an effort to complement the the giant strides of the Governor Peter Mbah, whom he said, had shown the political will and also made huge investments in the security sector to make the state one of the safest in the country.
“Today, we are following in our governor’s footsteps through the launch of ‘Operation Kwechiri.’ ‘Operation Kwechiri,’ as the name clearly demonstrates, represents our resolve not to allow any space for insecurity, crime and criminality by whatever name it goes. It represents our determination to continue to take the war to the agents of darkness.
“’Operation Kwechiri,’ is a security operation designed to further guarantee the safety of the people of Uzo Uwani at home, on our farms, and roads. The word ‘Kwechiri’ is an Igbo term adopted to reflect the resilience, doggedness, tenacity, and unflinching efforts of our security personnel, comprising the Council’s Neighborhood Watch, the State Forest Guard, and other federal security agencies to protect our citizens.
“To complement the state government’s efforts in tackling insecurity, especially in rural areas, we have deployed an additional 320 vigilante men, who have been trained for the task ahead.
“We have purchased four security vehicles; one Hilux van, three Sienna vehicles and 25 brand‑new motorcycles, along with other security gadgets to aid this operation.
“We remain undeterred in protecting the lives and property of Ndi Uzo-Uwani. As I always say, I am ever ready to lay down my life for the people of Uzo-Uwani, which is why I do not sit in the comfort of my office to give orders. I lead the fight into the thickest bushes to ensure that we bring criminals under the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
He also commended the efforts of all security chiefs in Uzo‑Uwani, the Neighborhood Watch and State Forest Guard for their resilience and sacrifices that keep Uzo‑Uwani secure and peaceful.
Inaugurating “Operation Kwechiri,” Governor Mbah, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant Security, Mr. Vincent Onyeabor, commended Ezugwu and expressed joy at the highly improved security situation in Uzo-Uwani presently, recalling challenges faced in the area at the inception of his administration.
“We have been receiving complaints from the Neighborhood Watch.
“Today, we can see the support, empowerment and other things being provided to aide your operations.,” he stated.
On his part, the Chief Security Officer, Government House, SP Osundu Ifeanyi, told newsmen that the Chairman had revved up the momentum in the war against insecurity .
In his remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Frank Anioma, while lauding the Council Chairman, admonished the local security operatives to deploy the items properly.
Speaking, the Area Commander, Nsukka Zone, Stephen Gudu, expressed delight over the efforts of the Chairman in tackling insecurity and encouraged the security operatives in the LGA to justify the security investment.