Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Nigerian Army to intensify its efforts and work closely with other security agencies to develop new strategies to eradicate insurgency and address other current security.

Buhari gave the charge in Owerri on Monday when he declared open the 2016 Chief of Army Staff Conference.

According to the president, the new strategies should be major focus of the conference.

He emphasised that the conference would only worth the while if the deliberations that emanated from it “will enhance stability in all parts of the country currently witnessing insecurity’’.

“I assure you that I will diligently study the report and recommendations resulting from the conference and implement those recommendations that practicable and implementable,’’ the president said.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, Buhari noted that the quest for security and development of the country had remained a serious national concern.

The president acknowledged the sacrifices so far made by “gallant officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this great country’’.

“These efforts have led to the dislodgement of insurgents from areas hitherto viewed as their strongholds.

“It has also led to the rescue of abducted persons, relocation of internally displaced persons to their abandoned communities and gradual return to normalcy in the North East.

“The effort has almost stabilised the security situation in the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria.

“The spectacular achievement of the security agencies in the fight to defeat terrorism, insurgency and militancy in Nigeria reinforce my earlier position that these threats would soon be a thing of the past.’’

According to him, it is also pertinent to remember our men and women, who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence and security of our nation.

“ My heart goes to all their families and friends.

“As we pray for the repose of their souls, this must strengthen our collective to address those issues that will make every part of our country’s safe and secure place for its inhabitants.’’

He commended security services, particularly the army in particular, for the professional manner in which they carried out their constitutional roles in the defence of the country’s democracy.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai said he had directed the enlistment of 150 doctors into the direct short service to address the shortage of personnel in the army’s medical corps.

Buratai said that the army had commenced rehabilitation of its medical facilities across the country to meet world standard and improve welfare of personnel.

He said that the Nigerian army 44 reference hospital, Kaduna would now serve as reference hospital for the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Africa. (NAN)