Buratai Seeks Strong Collaboration With DSS, Police, Others To Tackle Boko Haram Insurgency

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, on Tuesday said that in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s December deadline for stamping out Boko Haram, more equipment and troops have been deployed to the Northeast.

Addressing officers and men of 130 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Okuku, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, Buratai called for the commitment of the soldiers to achieve the target.

He said, “So far our operations in the northeast of the country are gathering momentum. They are doing very well and doing the Nigerian Army very proud. I am sure some of you have been in touch with them and some of you may still be going there in the future. The operation there is going very well.

“We have to keep focus on Mr. President’s mandate of keeping to the deadline. We have to work hard to make sure the operation succeeds and I believe we can do it. We have gotten more equipment and have deployed more troops to the northeast”.

The Army chief also stressed the need for collaboration with other security agencies.

“I want you to note that on internal security, you cannot operate alone. You must cooperate with other security agencies. You must have a strong collaboration with the police, civil defence, the DSS and others”, he said

Gen. Buratai, who is still embarking on familiarization tour of Army formations and units nationwide, said he was in Ogoja to identify with the challenges of the soldiers.

He said, “I would find time to go to your individual units and formations. I am here to identify with your pressing challenges as it pertains to general administration and internal security.

“Here in the barracks we have taken steps to improve accommodation, we are renovating dilapidated structures. We are also looking at issues of medicals as well as your children’s education. Already I have set up a committee to go round the schools to check issues of high and arbitrary fees. We would address issues of your welfare properly”.