Nigerian troops respond poorly to distress calls; I’ll change that — Army Chief

Tukur Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, on Friday said the Nigerian army would re-strategize its operations to effectively defend any part of the country under threat.

Mr. Buratai said this in Damaturu at a Sallah party organised for soldiers serving in the state.

He said he was committed to building a professional and responsive army that would execute its constitutional responsibilities with high sense of commitment.

“My mission statement is to build a professional and responsive army because I have realised that although we have a professional army, the aspect of responsiveness is missing.

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“Troops have failed to respond to distress calls that would have redeemed a situation, this has to stop under my watch. We will relate very well with other sister agencies to achieve our set goals.”

The COAS said he was also determined to ensure that army would continue to promote the unity of the country.

The Yobe governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, commended the political will exhibited by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to eliminate insurgency in Nigeria.

He identified lack of political will and inadequate equipment as responsible for the prolonged security challenge in the country.

“The visit of the COAS to Yobe to meet soldiers in the frontline state on the very day he assumed office, indicates a new dawn in the fight against insurgency.”

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Mr. Gaidam assured the readiness of his administration to support the fight against insecurity in the state.

“From 1998 to date, we have provided 387 pick-up vehicles to the Joint Task Force for Patrol operations” he said.

(NAN)