The Nigerian Army has vowed to continue to intervene in maintaining internal security of the country, debunking insinuation in some social media that it is in phased withdrawal of troops on Internal Security Operations in some parts of the country.
“We wish to inform the public that it’s not true. The Nigerian Army will continue to live to the expectations of Nigerians in the discharge of its constitutional duties of defending the territorial integrity of our dear nation and in aid to civil authorities.”
In a statement, Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, said that the troops on the ground will continue to intervene decisively to checkmate any form of criminality.
While appealing to the general public to give the army understanding, support and cooperation, the spokesman called on state Governors and Local Government Councils Chairmen to also be responsive to the needs of the citizens through the provision of social and developmental infrastructures.
“This will help reduce incidences of crime and criminality in our society.”
He announced that troops of 72 Battalion Special Forces, while on clearance operation in Gbajimba, Baka, Tomanyi, Iyode and Dogon Yashi in Benue State, made contact with armed herdsmen militias who engaged the troops in a fire fight.
“In the exchange of fire, one militia herdsman was killed while one other with gunshots wounds and three others were arrested. One Ak 47 assault rifle was recovered after the encounter.”
Brigadier General Texas Chukwu said that two other herdsmen who engaged in destructive activities on farmlands were arrested at Chembe community.
This was even as troops of the Battalion on patrol at Jatoaka town effected the arrest of 10 armed robbery suspects linked to an armed robbery incidence, adding that all the suspects have been handed over to the police.
“Similarly, in Taraba State, at about 0030hous to 0230hours (12:30am to 0230am), Troops of 101 Special Battalion conducted clearance operation along road Suntai-Muji-Kungana.
“During the clearance operation, troops encountered armed bandits who blocked the road and were harassing and dispossessing road users of their valuables. The bandits fled into the bushes on engagement by own troops. A search of the general area led to the recovery of a dane gun. The barricade was cleared and traffic restored.” [myad]
