Defence minister, Mansur Dan-Ali on Thursday, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to provide more equipment for the Nigerian military and other security agencies to enable them tackle Boko Haram and other criminal activities in the country.
In a statement signed by Col Tukur Gusau, spokesman to the minister, Dan Ali, shortly after the National Security Council (NSC) meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Dan-Ali said the request became imperative following the increasing number of internal military operations in various parts of the country.
“In view of the engagement of troops in various internal security operations across the country, the Hon. Minister requested for provision of more equipment for the Armed Forces in order to sustain the tempo in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges across the country,” Gusau said.
The minister reiterated the need “for the deployment of Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in all areas liberated by the military in the North-East in order to consolidate on the gains of military operations as well as to enable the military push forward in its clearance operations”.
On the expansion of Operation Sharan Daji in the Zamfara, Sokoto and Birnin Gwari axis, Dan-Ali commended the military, the police and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) for the successes recorded in the clampdown on criminals in the affected areas.
The statement said, “In order to forestall future security incidences in Zamfara, Sokoto and Birnin Gwari axis, Operation Sharan Daji has been extended to cover up to the fringes of Niger Border.
“The operation has recently being reinforced with more troops from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigerian Police and Department of State Services and is supported by the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance wing of 207 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Airforce.
“The joint operation has successfully arrested some suspected armed bandits and recovered arms and ammunition.
“Similarly, in other to checkmate the criminal activities along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, security agencies have been directed to increase patrols along the axis to address cases of attacks and kidnappings.
“There was review of Operation Safe Haven leading to appointment of a new Commander in the North Central.
In the South-South, the minister informed the council that ‘Operation Delta Safe’ has sustained its operations against illegal activities in the Niger Delta region with resultant reduction in illegal oil bunkering, militancy and pipeline vandalism.
“Finally, in view of the engagement of troops in various internal security operations across the country, the minister requested for provision of more equipment for the armed forces in order to sustain the tempo in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges across the country”.
The National Security Council meeting which was presided over by President Buhari was attended by the Dan-Ali; Chief of Staff to the president; National Security Adviser (NSA); Chief of Defence Staff; Service Chiefs, Director General DSS and Inspector General of Police (IGP).
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