News
Following in Mbah’s footsteps, Uzo-Uwani Council boss launches “Operation Kwechiri,” Patrol Vehicles to fight insecurity
…Deploys 320 vigilantes
… Set to build Command and Control Center for Uzo-Uwani
… Says ‘I’m ready to lay down my life to secure my people’
Following in the footsteps of the Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Council, Barr. Chijioke Ezugwu has launched “Operation Kwechiri”, a special security force to further strengthen the war against insecurity in the Local Government Area, LGA.
As part of the security package, Barr. 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.
He cited the governor’s effort to include the construction of a state-of-the-art Command and Control Center matched with AI-enabled cameras mounted across the Enugu State for full surveillance, setting up of the state’s Distress Response Squad, a special police unit powered by over 150 security vehicles as well as the recent launch of hitech equipments like high-impact drones and patrol vehicles to strengthen the war against insecurity.
“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 said the Council would construct Uzo‑Uwani Command and Control Center to digitally monitor security at home and on farms, clearing of the flanks major roads, such as Adani‑Opanda‑Nkpologu-Obimo Road, Uzo‑Edem‑Nrobo‑Abi‑Nimbo Road, and the Uvuru‑Ukpatta‑Umulokpa Road to boost security.
Ezugwu added that the Council was also waging war on unemployment, empowering over 1,000 youths, and ramping up agricultural production.
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.
“Ezugwu does not just talk, but works his talk. 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 for his quality style of leadership, 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.
Two persons sustained gunshot injuries on Wednesday during an attempted arrest by police officers at the River Niger Head Bridge, Onitsha, Anambra State, causing panic and disrupting vehicular and pedestrian movement in the area.
The incident, which occurred around noon, caused gridlock along the busy Onitsha-Awka Expressway, as a confrontation reportedly broke out between the security operatives and some hoodlums.
Eyewitnesses near the scene said the victims were shot during the confrontation and later became unconscious before they were rushed to a nearby hospital.
One of the sources said, “The incident occurred this afternoon. It arose from a confrontation between the police officers and the victims. They were being stopped by the officers for questioning. In an attempt to arrest them, they resisted the arrest and the police fired some shots at them.
“The incident resulted in heavy skirmishes around the Bridgehead Market as people scampered to safety. The area remained in chaos until the arrival of another batch of police team. The victims were later rushed to a nearby hospital.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident occurred when the suspects allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, had visited the scene and addressed the crowd, adding that an investigation had commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to him, the CP subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses were covered.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, while addressing the crowd in Onitsha over the incident arising from a confrontation during an attempted arrest, stated that the immediate priority of the Command is to ensure that the victims recover fully.
“The incident occurred when suspects allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries. The Commissioner of Police subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses are covered.
“The CP further ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events leading to the discharge of the firearm.
“He stressed that the investigation will establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on its findings.
“The Commissioner of Police appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful and allow the investigation to run its course.”
Ikenga reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and the rule of law.
“Meanwhile, traffic and human movement around the Head Bridge area have been de-escalated, with free flow of vehicular and human movement now restored,” he added.
Three churches in Lagos State have been shut down by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) over noise pollution as part of an enforcement exercise targeting 11 establishments in Agege and Mushin.
The affected churches are Holy Temple of Christ on Ayetoro Street, behind NIPCO Filling Station, Mushin; Christ Covenant Gospel Church, Western District, along Ikorodu Road, Fadeyi, Mushin; and Christ Apostolic Church, Oye Iyanu, located at Mushin Road, Church Bus Stop, Itire.
LASEPA carried out the enforcement operation on Tuesday after the affected establishments had received warnings and notices over environmental violations.
The agency said the establishments were given opportunities to correct the problems but failed to meet the required standards.
The shutdown of the three churches was linked to noise pollution, with the agency maintaining that religious activities and other operations must comply with environmental regulations to protect residents and maintain peace within communities.
LASEPA also sealed Akorohunfayo Central Mosque on Akorohunfayo Street, Fadeyi, Mushin, over noise pollution.
Other establishments affected included Biolarique Bakery Academy on Mushin Road, Mushin, which was sealed for failing to comply with the agency’s directives.
Tiles & Marbles on Silver Street, Olorunsogo, Mushin, was also shut over air pollution.
Five scrap yards operating in Agege and Mushin were equally sealed.
The facilities were accused of various environmental offences, including failure to provide evidence of an E-Waste Permit, environmental pollution and non-compliance with directives issued by LASEPA.
The affected scrap yards are Abubakar Scrap at Pipeline, Ifako-Ijaiye, Agege; Benjamin Scrap Yard on Ladoje Street, Oko Oba, Agege; Starlas and Sons Scrap Yard, also on Ladoje Street, Oko Oba, Agege; Jamin Scrap Yard at Jungle Bus Stop, Iju Road, Agege; and a Scrap Yard on Olu Aina Street, Daleko, Mushin.
LASEPA General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, said the agency would continue to monitor establishments across Lagos and enforce environmental regulations where operators fail to comply.
He urged religious organisations, business owners, facility operators, scrap dealers and other residents to obtain the necessary permits, follow environmental rules and take steps to prevent activities that could affect public health or the wellbeing of people living around their facilities.
The agency said further monitoring and enforcement exercises would continue across Lagos as part of efforts to maintain a cleaner and safer environment.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the appointment of 23 Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to support his administration in various areas of governance.
The appointments, contained in a Public Service Announcement signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, take effect immediately.
Nine of the appointees were appointed Special Advisers, while 14 were appointed Senior Special Assistants.
Among those appointed as Special Advisers are Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa, Labour Union and Association Matters; Hon. Sunday Nnamani (Orlando), Special Duties; Mr. Williams Chukwu, Agriculture; Prince Afam Agana, Infrastructure Compliance; and Humphrey Onyima, Investment Strategy and Public Relations.
Others are Hon. Tony Ugwu, Rural Development; Chief Ernest Nweze, Party Coordination and Mobilisation; Hon. Emeka Onunze, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Mr. Robinson Odo (mni), Labour and Productivity.
Those appointed as Senior Special Assistants include Pastor Kenneth Asogwa (Ebube Muonso), Heritage and Community Relations; Pastor Tochukwu Ogbodo, Social Engagement; Barr. Lucky Chukwu, Public Affairs; Belonwu Nnaji, Cultural Orientation; and Hon. Steve Odo, Tourism.
Also appointed are Hon. Francis Ikewette Ede, Public Communication; Mr. Sunny Okafor, General Duties; Hon. Chinedu Okwu Otaka, Social Orientation and Mobilisation; Otaba Cosmas Ikechukwu, Protection of Public Utilities; Pius Okeagu, Assets Management; and Rt. Hon. Innocent Emeka Ugwu, Inter-Party Affairs.
The remaining appointees are Mrs. Eucharia Offor, Human Resource Management; Mr. Kenneth Oforma, Policy and Communication; and Kelvin Ede, Research and Strategy.
The state government said the appointments are effective immediately.
The new appointments are expected to strengthen the administration’s capacity across key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, investment, labour, rural development, public communication, tourism, human resources and community relations.
The full statement:
ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has approved the appointment of the following persons as Special Advisers (SPAs) and Senior Special Assistants (SSAs):
1. *Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa* — Special Adviser on Labour Union and Association Matters
2. *Hon. Sunday Nnamani (Orlando)* — Special Adviser on Special Duties
3. *Mr. Williams Chukwu* — Special Adviser on Agriculture
4. *Prince Afam Agana* — Special Adviser on Infrastructure Compliance
5. *Humphrey Onyima* — Special Adviser on Investment Strategy and Public Relations
6. *Hon. Tony Ugwu* — Special Adviser on Rural Development
7. *Chief Ernest Nweze* — Special Adviser on Party Coordination and Mobilisation
8. *Hon. Emeka Onunze* — Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation
9. *Mr. Robinson Odo (mni) — Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity*
10. *Pastor Kenneth Asogwa (Ebube Muonso)* — Senior Special Assistant on Heritage and Community Relations
11. *Pastor Tochukwu Ogbodo* — Senior Special Assistant on Social Engagement
12. *Barr. Lucky Chukwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs
13. *Belonwu Nnaji* — Senior Special Assistant on Cultural Orientation
14. *Hon. Steve Odo* — Senior Special Assistant on Tourism
15. *Hon. Francis Ikewette Ede* — Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication
16. *Mr. Sunny Okafor* — Senior Special Assistant on General Duties
17. *Hon. Chinedu Okwu Otaka* — Senior Special Assistant on Social Orientation and Mobilisation
18. *Otaba Cosmas Ikechukwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Protection of Public Utilities
19. *Pius Okeagu* — Senior Special Assistant on Assets Management
20. *Rt. Hon. Innocent Emeka Ugwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Inter-Party Affairs
21. *Mrs. Eucharia Offor* — Senior Special Assistant on Human Resource Management
22. *Mr. Kenneth Oforma* — Senior Special Assistant on Policy and Communication
23. *Kelvin Ede — Senior Special Assistant on Research and Strategy*
The appointments take effect immediately.
Signed:
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to the Enugu State Government
Wednesday, 19th August, 2026
-
International7 hours agoCanada invites 1,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence
-
News3 days ago
Sheikh Jingir: Christianity not subordinate to any religion in Nigeria — Pastor Enenche
-
Uncategorized8 hours ago
2027: Obi unfolds agenda as campaigns begin
-
News3 days ago
Wanted banditry kingpin, Ado Aleru, attends fresh ‘peace talks’ with Katsina community residents
-
News4 hours ago
BREAKING: Gunmen attack Adeleke’s convoy in Osogbo shortly after receiving Certificate of Return
-
News15 hours ago
Why I won’t apologise to Okpebholo — Davido
-
Opinion1 day ago
National Ranching Policy: Whose Land, Whose Ranches, Whose Future?
-
News12 hours ago
Access Bank asks court to recover N1.3bn stolen by Yahoo Boys
