SAN FRANCISCO, October 31, (THEWILL) – The Chief of Army of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has stressed the need for the army and police to collaborate in order to ensure internal security in the country.
Buratai made the call when he visited the Inspector-General, Mr Ibrahim Idris, in Abuja, declaring that the army would continue to support the civil authority in maintaining law and order whenever the need arises.
He noted that although the police is saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order, the army also has a role to play in securing the nation as he cited the insurgency in the North East, militancy in the Niger Delta, herdsmen/farmers clashes and agitation in other parts as some of the reasons why the army was involved in internal security.
“Primarily, the responsibility of maintaining law and order is vested in the Nigeria Police,” he declared
“So far, the Nigerian Army has been called out to support the police in the provision of law and order, and ensuring that the safety of the citizen is guaranteed.
“It is out of necessity that the army has been called out. We have been performing several internal security duties, popularly referred to as internal security operations.
“Virtually in all the states of the federation, the Nigerian army is involved in this – internal security operations.
“We really need to come together and synergise more than ever before at this trying period.”
Responding, Idris described the army as the last line of defence in the effort to ensure internal security, and agreed to the call for collaboration between the two security agencies.
“You are the last line of defence for this country,” he said.
“We expect you to come in to support us when the situation demands because you are last hope of security in this country.
“You have done a great job in the North East. Honestly, we have to appreciate you.”
Story by Oputah David
