“if we don’t do anything and continue to complain, and continue to accuse the agencies involved in fighting it, then we are not helping matters.”
General Buratai, who spoke to newsmen today, July 20, after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa Abuja on the security situation in the parts of the country, admitted that one cannot rule out some challenges in security matters.
“There are set backs that can occur in such military operations or any security operations but that does not mean inability to handle it, incompetence to handle it. As long as the efforts are there and are visible, the support of all and sundry will be required to address it squarely.
The army chief said that it is important for the press not to escalate the situation through reportage.
He pleaded with the press not to give prominence to the bandits, terrorists activities, adding that press blackout will go along way in weakening them.
“You know for the criminals, publicity is their oxygen. Without that publicity, they will be ineffective. Couple with our efforts in the military and security agencies, we will do everything possible to get rid of these criminals.”
General Buratai gave assurance that the security situation is under control and is not like what it used to happen a month or two ago.
“We are working very hard and the troops are doing very well and I commend them for the efforts they have put in so far. “This include the kinetic and the non-kinetic aspect of our exercise Sahel Sanity. We are there fully supporting operation Hadarin Daji, which is a join operation of the armed offices and the security agencies.
“So far, this collective effort is making tremendous progress in the area of bringing normalcy. Unlike the series of killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling and of course, the threats to prevent the people from going to their farms and farm this season, this has been removed with the presence of the number of troops in the northwest and they are carrying out surveillance operations, patrol to ensure that no one is molested if you go outside the community to farm or harvest. .
“We will ensure that this is sustained throughout this farming season and beyond. What we require is the full support of everyone in the area.”
