Army must protect Jigawa against possible incursion by terrorists - Gen Buratai

By Muhammad Salisu

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai ‎has said that the Nigerian Army must protect Jigawa state against the influx of insurgents and other criminal elements.

The Chief of Army staff made the disclosure shortly after inspecting the ongoing construction of Army barracks situated at Yar Gaba town in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital

"The barrack is part of the army’s strategic plan to fortify the state against possible incursions by terrorists and other criminalities," Buratai said.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, Auwal Sankara, Buratai who later paid a visit to Governor Badaru at the Jigawa State Government House said, "‎the barrack when completed will serve as buffer against insurgents explaining that the state is within the front-line states that measures must be taken against."

"There were reports of series of arrests in the past of fleeing insurgents within the state which is why a whole battalion would be relocated to Jigawa," Buratai stressed.

The Chief of Army Staff however solicited for the support of the state government to address some of the challenges being faced at the barrack with additional blocks of buildings and other operational offices in barrack.

According to the statement, Governor Muhammad Badaru while responding, commended the army for their timely intervention in ensuring the safety of Nigerians all over the country.

“We still have in our memories the time when we can’t go to the mosque, church or market without fear of a possible bomb attack. We also can remember when we have to go through multiple check points while traveling. Boko haram used to have territories but now they have gone.” The Governor explained in a statement.

“We in Jigawa would not be part of those that play politics with the security of peoples lives‎”, explaining that, “just about six years ago we cannot even perform worships in congregation for fear of attacks”, Badaru added.

He therefore assured that, the state will soon provide a command secondary school dedicated to the military‎.