We’ll End Banditry – Service Chiefs Vow
Gov Masari pledges support for Military
BY EDMOND ODOK – Nigeria’s new Service Chiefs have vowed to end banditry as part of efforts at addressing heightening insecurity in the country.
According to them, making the country safer and secured for all Nigerians have become an urgent task that must be done.
The Service Chiefs, led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt-General Lucky Iraboh, made the pledge on Tuesday during a visit to Governor Aminu Masari at the Government House in Katsina, the Katsina State capital.
General Irabor said the team is currently on tour of the North west geo-political zone as part of efforts to deliver on President Muhammadu Buhari’s order to free the region from banditry and other forms of insecurity.
The CDS told the governor that; “Following President Buhari’s marching order to ensure return of substantive peace and security in every parts of the country, we are partnering with critical stakeholders and governors, particularly like Katsina State.
“We identify you as very critical in driving home the presidential mandate, since you have a closer link with opinion moulders and traditional rulers. We recognise that quite a lot has to be done.”
He said the team is interacting with the troops engaging bandits and other criminal elements disturbing the area in order to obtain details of operational activities on current engagements in affected areas.
The Service Chiefs however pleaded with Governor Masari to maintain his government’s backing for the military, especially in terms of logistics support.
They also solicited support from the Katsina State government in rallying the people to volunteer vital information and necessary assistance to the troops fighting to keep the bandits in check.
In his remarks while welcoming the Service Chiefs, Governor Masari congratulated them on their appointments and further lauded their decision to visit the troops on the Front lines.
The governor said his administration and the people of Katsina would not relent in supporting the military, until banditry and other criminal activities are brought to an end in the State.
“On your appeal that we should not relent in our support, we will not relent, we will continue to support you”, Governor Masari assured.
He said the Military must also play its part by engaging the people regularly, adding; “But, you should note that when the citizens see your commitment and seriousness and an improvement in their lives, their support will increase.”
The governor demanded tougher actions against the bandits and criminals in the state, even as he proposed a single operational command to ensure military operations are held simultaneously across the North West region.
“When the operations are going on simultaneously, the bandits and other criminal elements will not have the opportunity to criss-cross the areas or escape to areas that are quiet or comfortable for them”, he said – With agency reports
