Army Operation Restores Peace In Ihiala As Displaced Residents Return And Offer Gratitude To Nigerian Soldiers Today

 

A renewed sense of safety is gradually sweeping through communities in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State as families who fled years of terror are finding their way back home. Their return follows a coordinated and sustained push by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies that dislodged insurgents who once turned the area into a stronghold and governed daily life with fear, fines and violence.

Five years of turbulence left many towns in both Anambra and neighboring Imo State struggling for normalcy. Entire communities such as Mbosi, Azia, Orsumoghu, Lilu and Ubuluisuzo in Anambra were overshadowed by militant groups posing as freedom fighters. The wave of insecurity also swept across Orsuihiteukwa and Awoidemmili in Orsu council area, as well as Uburuihejiofor Uburu, Omuma and Nnempi in Oru Local Government Area. Residents were subjected to disturbing rules, including compulsory levies before any family could hold a wedding or burial, creating a climate where cultural rites and communal bonds were repeatedly disrupted.

A major turning point came when the Nigerian Army, supported by other security formations, scaled up targeted operations across the troubled axis. The offensive culminated in the capture of the insurgents’ commander, Mr Ifeanyi Okorienta popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo. His arrest signaled a collapse of the armed network that had tormented the region and paved the way for troops to reclaim spaces previously marked unsafe for both civilians and local authorities.

Communities are now witnessing scenes they missed for years. Streets once deserted are bustling again, local markets are opening gradually and residents who were scattered across nearby towns or states are returning to reclaim their abandoned homes. Families previously separated by the chaos are reconnecting, and schools are preparing to welcome learners who had been displaced.

A group of returning indigenes, acting through the office of the Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ihiala Local Government Area, and the President General of Mbosi Town, Pastor Azuka Innocent Okolie, expressed their appreciation in a formal letter addressed to the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Col BM Yakubu. The letter, made available to journalists, paid tribute to the courage and professionalism displayed by soldiers who stood their ground even when situations escalated unpredictably.

The residents highlighted the soldiers’ discipline and calm judgment during emergencies, noting that distress calls were met with swift and decisive responses. They commended the regiment’s relationship with community leaders, especially within Mbosi and the wider Ebonesie zone, where joint efforts with local security groups like Agu Neche Mba contributed significantly to stabilizing the region.

Another key detail underscored in the appreciation message was the humane conduct of soldiers who maintained respectful interactions with civilians during and after the operations. According to the signatories, this attitude restored much needed trust among the people and created an environment where confidence in security agencies could thrive again after years of trauma.

Tales of bravery were also shared, recognizing personnel who made sacrifices while fighting to protect the region. Some officers paid the ultimate price, a fact that resonated deeply with returning families who described these soldiers as symbols of hope and resilience.

The message concluded with a request that Col Yakubu extend their gratitude to all commanding officers and the entire rank and file of the regiment. Community members emphasized that the army’s efforts had etched their names permanently in the hearts of Ndi Mbosi, Ndi Ebonesie and the broader Ihiala population.

A renewed chapter is taking shape in Ihiala as residents rebuild their lives, rekindle economic activities and strengthen communal ties that were once fractured by insecurity. The transformation, although still unfolding, stands as a testament to what sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities can achieve when peace becomes a shared mission.