Army vows to deal with criminal elements in N’Delta

Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on Monday reinstated the commitment of the Nigeria military to flush out criminals in the country, even as he vowed to deal with criminal elements in Niger Delta.

The army chief maintained that violent crimes in the area demanding military intervention would be squarely dealt with, stressing that the success of Operation Crocodile Smile IV was an indication that the military was battle ready for criminal elements in the region.

Buratai, who spoke in Asaba at the commissioning of the headquarters of the 63 Brigade Complex, as well as the official operationalization of the brigade, thanked the Delta State government for providing logistics for the brigade.

He pointed out that the state was very critical in view of its strategic importance to the South-South and open direct access to seas.

The General was particularly appreciative of Delta government for the provision of an expansive land along the Benin-Asaba-Onitsha highway for the brigade and its battalions, stating that the government’s support had engendered civil and military relationship.

“The brigade will work closely with sister agencies in flushing out criminals from the state. Your donation and funding of this complex shows that the are very committed to partnership with the military in development. You have also given land for the brigade and its battalions.

“The army will reciprocate by ensuring that peace and security persist and prosper in the state,” he said.

While commissioning the complex, Okowa decried the low finances of the state, but restated his administration’s readiness to support security agencies.

The governor also urged security agencies to step up efforts at addressing security challenges. especially the farmers/herders clashes which had recently assumed a worrisome dimension in the state.