Army Chief Orders Troops to Sustain Onslaught against Criminals Nationwide

•Assures south-east of adequate security at yuletide 

•Nigeria commits to int. security at interpol conference

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

As the yuletide approaches, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday, ordered troops to sustain the onslaught against non-state actors nationwide.

Following concerns about the violence in the South-east ahead of the Christmas celebrations, the army chief assured the people of the South-east of adequate security.

Meanwhile, the federal government, yesterday, declared its commitment to international security and cooperation in the global fight against terrorism and transnational crimes.

Lagbaja, however, said the military high command was determined to ensure the defence of the citizenry and protect the territorial integrity of the nation.

At a media briefing in Abuja, the army chief, who spoke through the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, charged troops to sustain the onslaught against non-state actors in order to decisively curtail the activities of criminals across the country.

Speaking on the successes recorded so far in the ongoing “Exercises Still Waters, Enduring Peace and the Golden Dawn,” across the country, he urged them to remain professional in their conduct.

“The COAS commends troops for the modest successes recorded so far and urges them to sustain the tempo in order to decisively curtail the activities of criminals across the country.

“Troops are also encouraged to remain professional, vigilant and exhibit utmost respect for human rights of citizens in their respective areas of responsibilities.

“The Nigerian Army urges law abiding citizens to take ownership of the ongoing exercises and volunteer useful actionable information to security agencies,” he said.

On the violence in the South-east ahead of the Christmas celebrations, the army chief assured the people of the South-east of adequate security.

“We are assuring those coming back home that there will be adequate security. Security forces will dominate the South-east. Law abiding citizens have nothing to fear,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking at the 91st General Assembly of the International Police (Interpol) in Vienna, Austria, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has assured of Nigeria’s commitment and dedication to fostering effective partnerships with member countries to tackle crimes, combat terrorism and maintain global peace as well as commitment to ensuring public safety and upholding the principles of justice.

The minister  led  the Nigerian delegation to the conference to commemorate the centenary celebrations.

Members of the delegation that attended the 91st Interpol General Assembly in Vienna, Austria to commemorate the Centenary Celebrations, included Vice President Africa (Interpol), AIG Umar Garba (rtd), Director, Police Inspectorate Department (PID), Mrs. Bola Blessing Aderele, Head (Interpol National Crime Bureau, AIG Lanre Bankole  among others.

The minister expressed optimism about the future prospects of international cooperation in combating crime and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Interpol and its member countries to ensure a safer, more secure world.