COAS assures safety of Borno residents, pledges deployment of more soldiers

THE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said that the Nigerian Army would deploy more troops to Konduga and other communities seriously affected by attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno and Yobe states before the displaced persons in Maiduguri and Biu camps could return to their homes.

This is to ensure security of lives and property.

Buratai disclosed this yesterday in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha at the Government House.

He said that major changes had to be made to improve security in all the affected areas before the displaced persons could return to their communities.

His words: “I have seen what is on ground in Yobe State. Our soldiers are already on ground to strengthen security in Konduga. I have just returned from a visit to our troops there.

“We will add more troops to those seriously affected areas in Borno State, so that residents of Konduga taking refuge in Maiduguri resettlement camps can return next week and continue with their life.”

He said as the code name of military operations has been changed to Zaman Lafiya Dole (living in peace a must), there is no going back on fighting Boko Haram terrorists until peace was restored to the affected areas.

“I will always be in Borno State until peace is fully restored,” declared Buratai yesterday in Maiduguri.

He further disclosed that as the clearing of landmines along the 87-kilometre Maiduguri-Damboa road was completed this week, the road, which was closed about two years ago, would be opened for motorists.

He said a similar road in Yobe State linking Damaturu the state capital with Biu town in Borno State has already been cleared of landmines by the military last week.

Responding, the deputy governor said that the appointment of Buratai as the new COAS would end Boko Haram insurgency in the state and the country at large.

His words: “We are proud of your appointment as the new Chief of Army Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari. Your deserve it and by God’s willing, coupled with your wealth of experience in the military, insurgency in this state will be a thing of the past, as you have launched Zaman Lafiya Dole in Konduga.