Oba Abdulrafiu Balogun, the Elejirin of Ejirin Epe on Tuesday appealed to Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai to establish a permanent army base in his kingdom, stressing that they would make land available to build a barrack for the troops.
The monarch spoke during the visit of Buratai to troops of 65 and Special Forces Battalions at the Tactical Headquarters, Sector 1 in Epe.
The Oba, who expressed appreciation on the visit of the Army Chief to his domain, noted that the presence of the army had helped in making them sleep with their two eyes closed.
He added that kidnappers made the town a piece of hell before the exercise began.
“Around October to December, 2016 and early part of 2017, it was hell for us here.
“We could not sleep with our eyes closed as kidnappers swooped on the villagers abducting people without any resistance.
“Since the military came here, we have been having peace. We appreciate you for saving our lives and we want to appeal to the Chief of Army Staff to leave his men permanently here,” he said.
While speaking during the visit, Buratai charged troops participating in “Operation Crocodile Smile 2” to be more aggressive in ridding off criminals in their operational while maintaining high standard of discipline.
Buratai also noted that the exercise was meant to train them to be more proficient.
“The report from the Sector Commander is impressive. Your welfare and logistics would be provided.
“I appreciate your efforts and I know all of you have participated in one exercise or the other,” Buratai reiterated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buratai was briefed on arrival by Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu, on the successes and constraints of the ongoing Operation.
Also, Buratai, as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the Army and to galvanise seamless Civil-Military cooperation gave customised “Crocodile Smile 2” notebooks to the Royal Highness.