From Karen James,
Nnewi
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo has warned hoodlums in Anambra while ordering officers to be on alert and redouble their efforts on dealing with criminal elements attempting to truncate the existing peace in the state.
The directive followed the recent attacks on security personnel and formations in the state during which four naval officers lost their lives in separate attacks by the gunmen.
Addressing newsmen on Friday shortly after a meeting with Governor Willie Obiano at the governor’s lodge, Onitsha, the Naval Chief said they were working in conjunction with the armed services and security agencies to ensure lasting peace to this state.
Gambo, who had earlier made an operational visit to Onitsha Naval Outpost, described the maiden visit as timely as well as period of sober reflection following the ugly incident.
He said, “I’m here on operational visit to Onitsha Naval Outpost. We wouldn’t have been here but for expediency following the two separate incidents we had last week that led to the lost of some of our men and two weapons.
“Even though the attack was not limited to our men, because I understand that Correctional service team conveying a suspect to the court was also attacked.
“I’m here to reassure our staff at the Naval Outpost who have been here since 2010 to redouble their efforts and to be more alert based on the potent threats we’re observing now from the Eastern Security Network, the security arm of the IPOB.
“We’re working in conjunction with the armed services and security agencies to ensure we bring lasting peace to this state which has been peaceful for quite a long time now.