President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the armed forces to work closely with the relevant security agencies to evolve new strategies to tackle the insurgency.
The president made the call on Monday while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff(COAS) Annual Conference in Ibadan.
The week-long conference is an annual forum where senior officers in the army brainstorm on their activities.
NAN also reports that the conference avails them the opportunity to appraise their activities within the year and prepare for the subsequent year.
Buhari, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, restated his administration’s commitment to tackling insurgency in the country.
“I want you to look ahead with the aim of sustaining the nation’s democratic efforts. It is evident that the nation’s armed forces have moved to the next level.
“The nation appreciates the enormous sacrifices of our gallant officers and pray for the repose of the souls of our soldiers whom we have lost in the course of enthroning sustainable peace in the country,’’ he said.
He urged Nigerian leaders, including those in the armed forces, to embrace the wind of change blowing across the country.
The president, who appreciated the professional conduct of the officers, also urged them to patronise the nation’s local manufacturers.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said that the effort of the army in the enthronement of sustainable peace and security across the country was heart-warming.
Ajimobi urged the army not to relent on the successes recorded so far, calling on it to intensify efforts in eradicating insurgency and other security challenges across the country.
“We commend you on the efforts so far in returning peace to the country. Through the intervention of the Nigerian Army, we have been able to restore peace and security in Oyo State.
“We will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Army on security issues and we would not relent in our support,’’ he said.
The governors of Ondo, Osun and Edo states who were represented at the ceremony by some of their aides also commended the army for the feats recorded so far in the fight against insurgency.
NAN also reports that the event featured the winging of 10 new army pilots as well as the unveiling of some books published in honour of Buratai.
Among those present at the occasion were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Tukur Buratai, retired Maj-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu and retired Lt.- Gen. Kenneth Minimah.
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