Army Launches Security Op In Imo State

The Nigerian army has launched a security operation in the southeastern Imo state ahead of the holiday season, reports the Vanguard (Lagos).

Operation Golden Dawn II will focus on humanitarian tasks such as medical outreach and community activities as well as missions to improve security, disrupt criminal networks and prevent insurgent attacks, army officials said last week.

Imo state, and the southeastern region in general, have seen an increase in banditry, robbery, kidnapping and oil theft.

The goal is also to secure the region during the Christmas holiday season, said the officials.

The new mission is intended to build on the previous Operation Golden Dawn I, which conducted similar operations in the southeast earlier this year.

Golden Dawn II is scheduled to run until Jan. 4, 2023.