Defence Minister directs army chief, Buratai, to remain in North-East

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali, on Monday, met with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Service Chiefs at the Ship House, Headquarters of Ministry of Defence and consequently directed the Chief of Army Staff to remain in the North East until the security situation improves.

Similarly, the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division, Nigerian Army was directed to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau, Zamfara State to oversee the conduct of Operation SHARAN DAJI.

Colonel Tukur Gusau, the Public Relations officer to Defence Minister, who disclosed these in a release on Monday, said, the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff were also mandated to effect changes in the operational commands of Operations DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta, LAFIYA DOLE in the North East, SHARAN DAJI in Zamfara and Katsina states and AWATSE in the South West.

He stated in the release that, “This is to enable them to meet up with the current threats and security challenges in their areas of responsibility,” while informing that, “The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has also directed the emergency procurement of critical equipment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in line with the Federal Government policy of procuring equipment from Original Equipment Manufacturers through government to government basis.

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“The Council/Board also considered and approved the promotion of qualified senior military officers to their next higher ranks. In a related development and a show of concern to the welfare needs of members of the Armed Forces, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has directed the enhancement of the welfare of troops particularly those serving in operational areas within the country. Signed Tukur Gusau Colonel Public Relations officer to Defence Minister,” Gusau said in the release.