President Muhammadu Buhari has commanded soldiers not to spare bandits’ that have been killing, maiming and extorting innocent citizens in many parts of the country, especially in the Northern parts of the country.“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I believe you are capable of doing it. I don’t think you should spare any bandit. “Identify and eliminate them. Pursue them anywhere you can find them and eliminate them.”
The President, who addressed 15 officers and 160 soldiers of the 17th Army Brigade and Nigerian Air Force 213 Operational Base in Katsina, under the “Operation Hadarin Daji’’, at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport, said: “this group was formed by the military to secure the geo-political zone from the activities of bandits. Fundamentally, it is your responsibility to secure the country.
“Nigeria deserves peace. The rainy season is good and we are already achieving food security, but we need peace. The money saved from food importation will be used to purchase arms for operations.”
President Buhari, along with Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, assured the troops that the Federal Government will provide all the necessary support for restoration of peace in the country.
“We will give you all the right equipment so that you can deal with them with despatch. I appreciate all your efforts but you can do more. I don’t want any bandit spared.”
Buhari reminded the soldiers and officials of the government that they are being sustained in office by the ordinary people, and that they owe such people a duty to protect their lives and property.
“Please give my regards to your families. The earlier you finish with the bandits, the earlier you will return and stay with your families.”
