Moses Ofodeme
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Nigerian Army to collaborate with the police to flush out armed bandits causing violence in some parts of the country.
The President’s order was prompted by recent bandit activities in parts of Sokoto and Plateau States where 22 and 10 persons were reportedly killed respectively.
The President’s order was relayed in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Friday.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Nigerian Army to join the Police and flush out bandits from forests around the country, particularly in the areas that witnessed recent attacks.
“The President gave the directive in response to the killing of 22 people in Sokoto State, whose community was attacked by armed bandits as well as the reported killing of 10 others in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“In a quick response, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has already got in touch with the General Officers Commanding the army formations in the affected states, directing them to reinforce the police efforts to track the bandits and bring them to justice.
“President Buhari also commiserated with the governments and people of the two states, assuring Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Simon Lalong of the federal government’s support in bringing an end to the spate of attacks in the regions.
“He prayed that Allah would comfort those who lost beloved family members and friends in the attacks” the statement said.