•Commissions six projects in Delta State

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt-Gen Tukur  Buratai, has solicited the  support of traditional leaders in Zamfara State to combat activities of Armed Bandits and other forms of criminalities in the North West geo political zone.

Buratai in a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sagir Musa, made the call when he paid a courtesy call to Sarkin Katsinan Gusau, the Emir of Gusau Alh Dr Ibrahim Bello in his Palace in Gusau the Zamfara State Capital on Thursday, 1 July 2020.

While applauding the Emir of Gusau for the warm reception, Buratai stated that he is in zamfara on operational tour of formations and units of 8 Division Nigerian Army to assess the level of their combat readiness in the reinvigorated efforts to combat banditry and associated insecurity in the zone.

He also used the opportunity to pay a visit to the emir as a mark of respect and in furtherance of Nigerian Army’s excellent civil military relations.

While at the palace, the COAS informed the emir that the Nigerian Army is celebrating her 157 years of existence (Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2020-NADCEL 2020) and the commencement of Exercise SAHEL SANITY which is currently simultaneously ongoing in kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto and Zamfara States  with an appreciable level of success.

Buratai also solicited for the support of the traditional rulers in sensitizing their people to cooperate with the security agencies by providing the necessary information to help in containing the lingering security challenges in the region and the country at large.

In his remarks, the Emir thanks the COAS for the visit and promised to give all the necessary support to the Nigerian Army and other agencies where necessary in order for peace to reign in the zone.

At the occasion, prayer was offered for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and for the peace and security of Nigeria.

Charges Officers on Professionalism

In a related development, Buratai has tasked officers and men of the Nigerian Army on professionalism and responsiveness to constitutional roles.

He gave the charge in Asaba, Delta State where six projects were inaugurated at the temporary headquarters of 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Projects.

The projects were part of activities marking tNADCEL 2020, include medical centre, Chapel for Christian worship, Mosque for Muslim worship, kitchen, NAPEX and Military Police K9 Kennel with six trained dogs.

The Army Chief who was represented by the General Officer Commanding, 6th Division, Major-General Felix Agu lauded the Delta State Government for its continued support to the military formations across the state.

He said that the  Brigade K9 kennel which already had six trained dogs will boost internal security as well as complement the proposed ‘Operation Delta Hawk’ when it comes on stream.

Buratai said NADCEL 2020 theme: ‘Nigeria’s Territorial Defence and Integrity Integrity – Imperatives for Nigeria’s Army’s Sustained Training and Operation, and commended the Commander of the 63 Brigade, Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Jallo, for judiciously deploying resources at his disposal for intended purposes.

Inaugurating the projects, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged the political class to emulate the Army on how to execute projects with military precision. Okowa who was represented by his Chief of Staff, David Edevwie said his administration is very proud of the 63 Brigade because of the regular improvement of its infrastructure.

“It is certainly something that we in government must take a cue from. We must learn how to execute projects as quickly as it is done, with military precision, in the Nigerian Army.’’ He said.

He further said that the presence of the Army has enhanced security of lives and property. The governor vowed to continue to provide the needed support to the 63 Brigade and other security agencies.