Against the backdrop of the rise in criminality and insecurity in Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has vowed that the military will do everything possible to eliminate all criminal groups in Nigeria.
He made this vow when he spoke on Monday at the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri when he hosted troops of North East Operation HADIN KAI to a luncheon to mark Easter.
Represented by Theatre Commander Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, Yahaya asserted that the event was in line with the tradition of celebrating with personnel in the frontline during festivities.
The COAS said Easter is of great spiritual importance to Christian faithful worldwide because it’s a season of love, hope and prayers to Almighty God.
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Yahaya noted that the 2023 celebration was unique as Muslim faithful are also observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.
He commended officers and soldiers for their tremendous efforts in tackling the numerous security challenges confronting the nation.
‘I am indeed proud of you all and want to charge you to continue to remain focused, disciplined, and loyal to constituted authority.
‘We must continue to ensure that every criminal element and group in the country is completely eliminated,‘ he was quoted as saying.
The General commended the professional conduct of troops during the general elections, noting that they stood their ground while discharging their duties.
Yahaya went on to assure Nigerians that the Army would continue to work with sister security services and other organisations in the discharge of its responsibility.
Meanwhile, ahead of Nigeria’s handover of power expected to hold on the 29th of May, the Defence Headquarters has vowed to clamp down on anything and anyone that will make any attempt to truncate democracy.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau who is the Director of Defence Information, made this vow when he spoke in an interview with newsmen on Monday, just as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, threatened to contain any potential threat to national security and warned the Indigenous People of Biafra, Eastern Security Network and other fringe groups not to test the will of the military.
He pointed out that the peaceful conduct of the general elections despite the insecurity engineered by the outlawed groups was a testament to the military’s resolve to ensure security across the country.