Ola Akinola
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Tukur Buratai on Thursday expressed the determination of the Nigerian Army to end armed banditry and terrorism that has bedeviled some parts of the country.
He made this known during a courtesy visit on Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, while on operational tour of army units and formations in Gombe to those areas within the theatre of operation lafiya dole in the Northeast and the Northwest.
He, however, applauded the government and people of Gombe State for being proactive in maintaining peace in the zone that has been battling with security challenges.
Buratai also thanked the government of Gombe State for appropriating a large portion of land for the construction of the permanent site of the 301 Artillery Brigade Barracks.
He added that, the Nigerian Army is determined to end all forms of criminality in the country and called on the people to partner the Army towards achieving the goal.
He, therefore, appealed to the Governor not to relent in supporting the Nigerian Army, particularly the Nigerian Army University Biu which he said was established to address the educational needs of the people in the North East and the country as a whole.
In his response, the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya lauded the Nigerian Army for its relentless war on terror as well as other forms of criminality bedevilling the nation.
He said that the Nigerian Army has contributed immensely in restoring peace in the North East and the country as a whole adding that, prior to the appointment of Lieutenant General Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff, the security situation in the region was precarious.
According to him, “As a matter of fact, the Chief of Army Staff has done a lot and we must express our happiness and pride that our son has reached the zenith of his career and has done so very well to Nigeria and the whole world”.
Yahaya informed the visiting Army Chief that Gombe has been a home for individuals fleeing crisis from neighbouring states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba, adding that the State Government has been providing succour to everyone who seeks refuge in the state.
He added that, in the spirit of support to the Nigerian Army and Nigerians, the Gombe State Government sacrificed its NYSC permanent Orientation Camp for use as a rehabilitation centre for repentant Boko Haram insurgents.
The Governor stated that, his administration will continue to support the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional mandate of maintaining peace and protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
On the Nigerian Army University Biu, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the Chief of Army Staff that his administration will partner the institution for the benefit of the people of the state.
