As parts of the efforts to combt banditry and ensuring lasting peace and security in Katsina State and the North west, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai was at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Daura in Katsina State where he was briefed on the operational state of 171 Battalion Daura to checkmating banditry and associated insecurities in their area of responsibility.

The army chief, used the opportunity of his Operations tour to the Battalion (Bn) to pay a courtesy call to the Emir of Daura Alh Dr Umar Farouk Umar CON, at his palace in the ancient city of Daura. Gen Buratai informed the emir that he is in Daura on a tour to 171 Bn where he was fully briefed on the combat readiness of the Bn and the state of security situation in Daura and environs and decided to pay him a courtesy visit.

He assured the emirate council and the people of Nigeria the renewed vigour and determination of the Nigerian Army (NA) to tackle the security challenges in the northwest and the country as a whole. He said his visit was in response to the concerns occasioned by the recent banditry activities in different parts of the region and Katsina State in particular.

Gen Buratai further stated that – “Already, the NA has commenced reorganization of its operations across Nigeria and that senior officers of the service were in the state to fully implement the clear directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to effectively checkmate the security challenges in the country”.

Gen Buratai further used the opportunity to solicit from the emir, the good people of Daura and all Nigerians for their continuous prayers, guidance and goodwill, and it is just a matter of time, the NA and other security agencies will get the situation over.

While making remarks at the occasion, the emir commended the NA and her leadership for the commitment and untiring efforts to containing the myriad of security challenges in Nigeria and in Daura emirate of Katsina State since he took over as the COAS.

The emir, who stated that he is very much happy and appreciative of what the NA has done for the people of Daura and the country at large and used the opportunity to alert all Nigerians on the danger of the current dynamic and multifaceted security threats facing the nation. According to the emir – “What Nigeria is experiencing now is greater than civil war, and that the war (civil war) was won with the prayers, advices and goodwill of all Nigerians – especially the elders, traditional and religious leaders in the country without any sentiment”. He stated that the same approach is needed or expected for the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria.

The emir cautioned that at this period, there is no need for undue inteference on security matters to avoid distracting the security agencies, more so the President is a former war tested general and a two times head of state who knows the military more than any civilian. He enjoined civilians to be careful with their attempts to divide the military and the President. He reminded the nation to remember the critical time when President Buhari took over at a period when Nigeria was at the verge of collapsing. The revered emir further said – “The current situation is like the spectators who sees all the faults in the players but can not do better if given the chance”.

He therefore urged the COAS to remain resolute, focus and continue with his good work and not to listen to distractive comments from any quarter”.

Dr Farouk further used the occasion to on behalf of his council and the entire people of Daura thanked the Nigerian Army for setting up an FOB and a Bn in Daura town, to enhance response to security threats in the area and surrounding communities which have so far commendably assisted in providing the required peace and security in the areas.

The monarch prayed for the military and all other security organizations in their operations aimed at securing the nation.

Farouk further emphasized on the need for the people to consistently support the military and other agencies by providing useful information on suspicious persons, movements and activities in the communities for them to succeed in providing the necessary security for the people and the nation.