COAS Vows to Strengthen Security in Yobe As Governor Calls For More Air Power
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has assured residents of Yobe State that security will improve despite recent attacks, including the deadly assault in Buni-Gari.
Olufemi made this known on Wednesday during a visit to the state, revealing his personal connection to Yobe, having previously served as Brigade and Sector 2 Commander in the state.
“We’re here today particularly to just assure the people of Yobu State that despite a few setbacks that we’ve had, that things are going to change.
“I will not tell you the details here, because it’s not for the press, but the Yobe people should be rest assured that things will improve, and they shouldn’t have any need to fear.”
He however said more troops and resources will be deployed to prevent the resurgence of insecurity akin to the 2015 crisis.
The COAS urged Nigerians to unite against terrorism, warning that instability in the Sahel region must be collectively addressed.
“I think as Nigerians, we need to come together more than ever before to see that we checkmate all this myriad of insecurity, because if we don’t, at some point, we will not have a country to live in, so we need the cooperation of everybody.”
He revealed that the Federal Government under the leadership President Bola Tinubu remain committed to ending insecurity in Nigeria.
In his response, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni commended the Army Chief’s swift response to the recent terrorists attacks and paid tribute to fallen soldiers.
He stressed the importance of civil-military cooperation, citing improved intelligence sharing with locals.
“We must all come together and work together between the general public and the security agencies to contribute largely to what the security agencies will be able to do,” he added.
“Some of these threats require air power. We hope to see stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.”
The Syndicate reports that both the Chief of Army Staff and Gov. Buni emphasized that defeating terrorism require collective efforts.
The COAS’s visit was meanf to boost morale and reinforce military operations.
