Military will use force against militants if dialogue fails, Buratai warns

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Tukur Buratai yesterday warned that the military will use fierce force against militants in the Niger Delta if ongoing dialogue with the Federal Government fails.

He, however, advised the militants who in recent months, have destroyed critical installations and drastically cut down the country’s oil production level to shun violence and avail themselves of democratic channels to ventilate their grievances.

Buratai who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru stated this while commissioning the newly built 2 Brigade headquarter complex and Olympic-size swimming pool in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Acknowledging that the army was faced with shortage of accommodation and other infrastructure needed to enable them perform their national obligation, Buratai said the decision to renovate dilapidated structures and build new ones despite challenges of dwindling national resources was aimed at boosting the morale of the officers and men.

“The newly built RSM accommodation quarters and brigade administrative headquarters will provide a conducive atmosphere for higher productivity by officers and soldiers. Also, the Olympic size swimming pool will avail troops opportunity to continue to train and prepare for amphibious operation in our maritime environment,” he added.

The army chief also declared that  the military would provide security for July 30 legislative re-run election if needed.
On his part, Commander, 3 Brigade, Kano, Brigadier General  Stevenson Olabanji said the renovation was aimed at improving command and control operations of the brigade.

“On assumption of office, I thought it wise to build a structure that would accommodate all the staff branches and sub-units of the brigade. Similarly, the Olympic size swimming pool came about as a result death of some soldiers who died because of their inability to swim.

“The swimming pool will enhance troop’s confidence and increase chances of survival in emergency situations during the conduct of operations on waterways and creeks,” he said.