General Yahaya made the call at a courtesy visit to Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar the III in Sokoto.
According to him, security is everybody’s business.
He said that was the reasons why the army extended interaction with all critical stakeholders in the State.”Engaging you as Chief Security Officer of the state, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and other concern citizens that shows genuine commitments to proffer a lasting solution to the problem,” General Yahaya said.
He appreciated Governor Tambuwal for his concern and inputs, especially the support given to the operations of the Nigerian Army in the State.
Cooperation
He urged the Governor not to relent in it’s efforts as he looked forward to more cooperation from the government.
“We are working to review operations through collaborations with sister security agencies to improve the situation,” he stated.
General Yahaya urged his people to continuously support troops in their operations by supplying them with relevant information to improve the situation.
He earlier presented a Toyota Hilux to Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the 8 Division Nigerian Army for gallantry.
Lieutenant General Yahaya reiterated more commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian Army through provision of accommodation among others.
In his remarks, the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for appointing a competent personality like General Faruk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff.
He said he and the people of the State would continue to pray for General Yahaya and the Nigerian Army as he came at a trying time of insecurity.
” You came at a trying moment for the Nigerian Army and the country. We are faced and bedeviled by many security challenges in our own area, especially at the Eastern part of Sokoto State particular banditry, kidnapping and other associated crimes,” Tambuwal said.
He called for speedy review of the operations within the 8 Division area of responsibility that includes; Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States to curb more crossing of bandits to other states.
“The pressure from Zamfara has continued to mount in Sokoto. We need you to look into the operations in Zamfara and review it.
“The Army should Possibly carryout simultaneous operations between Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger and Zamfara States.
” All these states are in distress due to the operations in Zamfara. If you chase them away from Zamfara, they will move towards other neighbouring states. I can tell you that our situation wasn’t like this before.
” Our situation is worsened because there are no adequate resources around here to form a blocking force that will checkmate their Exodus and foray into to Sokoto State,” he stated.
Governor Tambuwal appealed for reinforcement of more Army and other security personnel and deployment of logistics to the state.
Effective synergy
He also called for effective synergy between Nigeria Army and other sister security operatives for effective information gathering and sharing.
The Governor pledged continuous support for the Nigerian Army, despite limited available resources.
Difficult Time
Also at the Palace, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar the III, promised continious prayers for the Chief of Army Staff, to carry out his constitutional responsibilities as he leads the Army.
Sultan Abubakar said they have absolute confidence in him, assuring that traditional institutions would continue to renew it’s commitments to the Nigerian Army for lasting peace in the State and the country.
The Sultan added that if Nigerians could come together as one big family, he believes the country would overcome the security challenges.
The visit of the Army chief is seen as home coming of a son of Sokoto state.
