Arrest of Simon Ekpa has reduced tension in South East – Army

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Tuesday, said the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland has greatly reduced the tension in the South East

This development, he said, alongside Operation Udoka by the Defence Headquarters, is restoring peace in the region.

Operation Udoka was established to flush banditry and end the sit-at-home situation in the South-East.

Musa said they were working with the people to ensure stability in the region.

He said this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to defend the 2025 budget.

Musa said, “With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension. Also with Operation Udoka, we’re also doing that, picking up most of the leadership that are there, taking them out, and then making sure that the place is peaceful.

“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because we understand, as I said always, that we need to have local support because without it, it’s difficult. You know, the terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving.”

Musa said the last holiday period was very peaceful because they were very proactive.

He said they were committed to non-kinetic measures of addressing the security problem and this was yielding positive results.

“We had some intelligence and worked ahead to ensure that everywhere was kept peaceful. That has happened and we intend to do that and continue to do more. What we try to encourage is jointness, and synergy in our operations.

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