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Tag: Tukur Buratai

  • Ajimobi commends army as Buratai visits Oyo

    Ajimobi commends army as Buratai visits Oyo

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Monday commended the army for its support in ensuring security of lives and properties in the state.

    The governor gave the commendation in Ibadan while receiving the Chief of Army Staff,  Lt.- Gen. Tukur Buratai, who visited him in his office.

    Report said Buratai had led other senior army officers to Ibadan for the week-long Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.

    Ajimobi said the Nigeria Army had released some of its men to lead a special task force set up by his administration to restore peace and order  in the state.

    “The state before our assumption of office in 2011 was popularly known as a garrison where brigandage, thuggery and other criminal activities were the order of the day.

    “When we assumed office, we set up a special task force known as ‘Operation Burst’ which involved the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and  Nigeria Air Force which was  led by the Nigerian Army.

    “Today, Oyo State is one of the safest states in the country. We want you to help us commend your personnel for their support,” he said.

    The governor also described Buratai as a worthy leader who epitomises professionalism in status and character.

    Read also: Army restates commitment to protection of human rights

    Earlier, Buratai had said he was in Ibadan for the COAS Annual Conference where  senior officers meet to brainstorm.

    “The conference is an annual ritual where top brass of the Nigeria Army gather to brainstorm on what transpired during the year, analyse and focus on activities of the following year,” he said.

    He said the army had chosen the state after considering its strategic importance.

    “We are also here to rub minds and interact with stakeholders in the academia, civil society and government functionaries to have a very good background for subsequent years.

    “This would help us a lot in terms of training, operations and general administration,” he said.

    Buratai acknowledged the support received by the army, hinging this on the cordial working relationship with the state government.

    The programme featured exchange of gifts by the governor and the army chief.

    NAN

  • Ogbeh wants soldiers to invest in agriculture

    Ogbeh wants soldiers to invest in agriculture

    The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, on Monday urged officers and men of the Nigerian Army to join other Nigerians and invest in agriculture.

    Ogbeh spoke at a sensitisation programme organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development ( FMARD ) for the Nigerian Army in Abuja.

    “We are here to sentisise army officers and create awareness for them to see agriculture as a business and to strengthen the resolve of those in crops, aquaculture and animal husbandry.

    “Food security is an integral part of national security; that is why the army, whose mandate is to provide national security, cannot afford to avoid attending to food security.

    “Active participation of the army can never be seen as an incursion into an unfamiliar ground but a step in the direction that agrees in principle with one of its core mandate, which is ensuring peace.’’

    Read Also: Agriculture: VC harps on value addition, improved electricity

    Ogbeh, who was represented by Mrs Winifred Ochinyabo, his Special Adviser on Special projects and General Duties, said the strength of a nation lay in its ability to feed itself.

    She noted that because security personnel were trained combatants and not business people, they were usually vulnerable in retirement.

    He said the ministry was determined to enlighten servicemen on the opportunities in agriculture with a view to broadening their knowledge on agribusiness.

    Mr Matthew Owolabi, the Director, Irrigation and Crops Development in the ministry, said the sensitization would strengthen them to choose any aspect of agriculture of their interest.

    Earlier, the Chief of the Army staff, Lt.- Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. I.R. Nicholas, Chief of Linguistics, said the sensitization would encourage them to fall back to agriculture.

    “We will retire to agriculture and we will also contribute to the need of the nation, family and also provide raw materials to the manufacturing companies,” Nicholas said.

    NAN

  • Buratai warns criminals as Army renovates first oil well

    Buratai warns criminals as Army renovates first oil well

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has asked Nigerians to expect more military operations following rising threats across the country.
    Buratai spoke in Ogbia Bayelsa State at the weekend when the 16th Brigade of the Nigerian Army renovated the first commercial oil well, the Oloibiri Oil Well 1, as part of the community relations activities of the Army in its Operation Crocodile Smile II.
    Oloibiri, a community situated at Otuabagi in Ogbia Local Government Area, is the place where oil was first discovered in commercial quantities in 1956.
    Buratai, who was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, vowed to deal ruthlessly with criminals.
    He insisted that the military operations were conducted to deepen civil-military relations and to combat threats.
    He said the Nigerian Army must be professionally responsive and capable of discharging its constitutional roles.
    Buratai praised the 16 Brigade for rehabitating the historical oil well,  saying the move  would enable Oloibiri regain its status as a tourist attraction.
    He urged the brigade to ensure security at the Oloibiri oilfield to prevent hoodlums from destroying the national monument.
    The army chief further warned criminals in the Niger Delta region to desist from criminalities, adding that the army was positioned to deal decisively with militancy, piracy, cult activities, kidnapping and other vices.
    Buratai said: ”The Nigerian Army, in consonance with my vision is to provide a professionally-responsive army in the discharge of its constitutional roles to conduct operations/training in order to position itself to be able to respond professionally to the threats we have across the country.
    ”You know the threats are many; we have armed robbery, kidnapping, cult activities, militancy, illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, piracy, oil theft among others. So, the Nigerian Army will continue to have these operations.
    ”We have had the Operation Python Dance and we have been running Operation Crocodile Smile II. All these operations are conducted to position the Nigerian Army to be able to combat the crimes that are threatening our nation.
    ”We also conduct operations so that we can have a conducive environment for business activities to thrive and to guarantee the safety of law-abiding citizens in order to enable them to go about their normal business without let or hindrance.
    ”During such operations, the Nigerian Army goes close to the people because in the first place, we belong to the people, identify with them, carry out some community relations, medical services and conduct sanitation activities.
    ”As in the case of Oloibiri oil well, the 16 Brigage decided to rehabilitate this place as part of its activities so that it can be positioned to regain its status as a tourist attraction which it is.”
    Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd.), said the Army had challenged the state government through the Oloibiri initiative.
    He appealed to Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of the Nigerian Army, saying that some Nigerians had not been fair in the interpretation of the roles of the military.
    Jonah said:”The military has evolved over the years. Like they say, crocodiles never used to smile, but they have smiled now; and pythons also danced.
    “Now, they are going for Octopusgrip. We are moving on. The most important thing is that what has been the textbook teaching is now getting translated into reality in our lives.
    ”The military as much as it is trying, I do not think it is getting the right attention, interpretation of the roles it has been playing. It is not easy to leave one’s family in the defence of the country.
    ”Tourism is one area we are concerned about in the state to generate funds. And Oloibiri, given its historical significance,  is one area we are interested in. For the army to have taken this initiative, it is a big challenge to us.”
    Also, the Commander, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, said the renovation was carried out to underscore the historical and economic significance of the well.
    Aligbe said:  ”What we are doing today, therefore,  is to give a facelift to this iconic monument. I believe that whatever we are doing here today has sufficiently agitated the minds of tourism enthusiasts across the country to come to this place and explore  the unique potential of this place and make it a place for global recognition.
    ”The brigade in the execution of this community relations activities decided to seek permission from the state Ministry of Tourism Development to renovate it in a symbolic manner being the first commercial oil well in this country.”
  • Army Brigade renovates Oloibiri Oil Well 1 to drive tourism

    Army Brigade renovates Oloibiri Oil Well 1 to drive tourism

    The 16 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Yenagoa, on Wednesday said it had renovated and opened to tourists, the Oloibiri Oil Well No. 1, where commercial oil production commenced in 1958.

    Captain Jonah Danjuma, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations and Spokesman of the Brigade, said that the Army would provide free bus rides for tourists to Oloibiri from its base in Yenagoa for the next three days.

    Danjuma explained that the gesture was a community relations and confidence building component of the ongoing military training operation to build the combat readiness of troops deployed to the Niger Delta region.

    “In line with the ongoing Operation Crocodile  Smile II, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army has undertaken a renovation of the iconic Oloibiri Oil Well.

    “This is part of the Brigade’s Community relations activities aimed at enhancing effective civil-military relations in its Area of Responsibility.

    “The oil well is located at Otuabagi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, which has set the trajectory for oil economy in Nigeria, hence the Brigade is signposting the tourist value of this iconic Oil Well to the public.

    “The historical site will be opened to members of the public from Oct. 25 to Oct.28 , 2017. The general public is enjoined to visit and appreciate the historical value this oil well has ushered to Nigeria.

    “The public may wish to visit on their own or take advantage of the buses provided at the Brigade Headquarters to transport potential tourists to the site.

    “The expected time of departure from the Brigade Headquarters to Oloibiri is 10 a.m. daily,” he said.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, launched the operation which involved intensive patrols, movement of troops with heavy military hardware in the Niger Delta region on Oct. 13.

    The Army Brigade had also donated medical equipment to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, as well as conducted environmental sanitation in some neighbourhoods in Yenagoa as part of the military exercise scheduled to last for one month.

    NAN

  • Officers’ promotion exam: Army urge Enugu residents not to panic

    Officers’ promotion exam: Army urge Enugu residents not to panic

    The Nigerian Army has urged residents of Enugu not to panic as they see sporadic movement of military vehicles and personnel during the Captain and Major Practical Promotion Examination 2017.

    Col. Sagir Musa, Deputy Director Public Relations of 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, said this in a statement issued in Enugu on Monday.

    Musa said the exercise, which would run between Oct. 16 and Oct.20, would involve movement of vehicles conveying troops to selected field locations for the examination.

    According to him, members of the public in Enugu city and Nsude – Udi community along 9th Mile general area are hereby informed not to worry when they notice the exercise.

    “In line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the 82 Division Nigerian Army is set to host Captain – Major Practical Promotion Examination 2017, from Oct. 16 – Oct. 20.

    “The examination is intended to test the intellectual and professional ability of the candidates as well as to improve on their capacity and knowledge base in the discharge of their duties.

    “Eligible candidates will be tested on map reading, tactics and low intensity conflicts, communications, staff duties and French language.

    “The Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command ( TRADOC ) Nigerian Army, will conduct the examination in 82 Division Area of Responsibility.

    “A team of observers from the Headquarters, directing staff and members of the examination panel drawn from formations and units of the Nigerian Army will be involved in the conduct of the exercise,’’ he said.

    Musa said that the Commander TRADOC, Maj.-Gen. Rasheed Yusuf, would address the 130 candidates and the directing staff at the division’s auditorium before the commencement of the exercise.

    He said that the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, would also make some remarks at the occasion.

    NAN

  • Buratai mourns Malu

    Buratai mourns Malu

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has commiserated with the family of the Lt.-Gen. Victor Malu, a former chief of army staff, who died on Monday.

    He said in a statement issued by the army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman that he “received with deep shock the sad news of the passing away” of Malu.

    Buratai prayed to God Almighty to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    The late Malu was said to have died at a hospital in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday.

    Born on Jan. 15 1947 at Katsina-Ala, Benue of Tiv origin. Malu enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna in 1967.

    He was part of the 3rd Regular Course and got commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation in 1970.

    Malu held various positions in his military career, including Commander, the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS ) peace-keeping force (ECOMOG) from December 1996 to April 1998.

    He was Chief of Army Staff between May 1999 and April 2001.

    During his service, he contributed immensely to the sustenance of democracy, peace and security in the country.

    NAN

  • IPOB: Kanu sues Chief of Army Staff

    IPOB: Kanu sues Chief of Army Staff

    …Seeks order compelling Buratai to produce him in court

     

     

    Leader of the pro-Biafra group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja for an order of Habeas Corpus ad subjiciendum, commanding the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Tukur Buratai to produce him in court.

    The request is contained in a suit filed in his name yesterday by some lawyers led by Ifeanyi Ejiofor. The suit is marked; FHC/ABJ/CS/908/2017.

    Part of the grounds stated for the request include that Kanu has not been seen since some soldiers allegedly invaded his house on September 14, during which shots were fired and people dead and some wounded.

    The plaintiff stated that Kanu, who was in the house during this bloody onslaught by the Soldiers, has not been heard from or seen after this bloody attack in his home by the agents of the respondent (COAS) since the 14th day of September 2017.

    “The invading soldiers in their desperate bid to ensure that the applicant (Kanu) is caught in the attack climbed stairs to his bedroom upstairs to shot him; walls of his bedroom were riddled with bullets.

    “The invading s,oldiers who had direct contact with the applicant on this fateful day (14th day of September 2017) should be in a position to produce the Applicant before the court. It is either the Respondent’s rampaging Soldiers abducted the Applicant during this raid or must have killed him in the process.

    “Section 40 of the Federal High Court Act empowers this court to order that a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum be issued on the respondent, to produce the applicant in Court, particularly now that his substantive criminal trial is coming up on the 17th day of October, 2017.

    The plaintiff stated, in a supporting affidavit, gave details of what allegedly occurred during the attack on Kanu’s residence and the circumstances leading to his purported disappearance.

    A lawyer, Mandela Umegborogu, said he learnt from Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanueal “that the soldiers who also drove in a purpose-built sophisticated armored personnel carrier, fired live bullets on the relatives of the Applicant, leaving scores brutally wounded, and arrested many.

    “During the bloody attack/invasion of the applicant’s home, scores were killed and others forced to abandon their sleep and run for cover in nearby bushes, which include nursing mothers, pregnant women, children and the aged.

    “On that same day, the 12th day of September, 2017, dozens of supporters of the Applicant who were on a courtesy visit to him, were also barricaded at Isialangwa and tortured on the same day.

    “The applicant was emotionally traumatized and visibly tortured on account of heavy causalities recorded in this unprovoked attack from the invading Soldiers.

    “On the 14th day of September, 2017, the Nigerian soldiers invaded the applicant’s home for the second time, unfortunately on a brutal but murderous raid that left 28 persons dead, and over 48 arrested and taken away to an unknown destination.

    “The applicant was sitting right inside his bedroom when the Soldiers invaded his home. The soldiers in their desperate efforts to ensure that the applicant who is their main target is gunned down, climbed the stairs to his bedroom upstairs to shot him.

    “The wall of the applicant’s bedroom is riddled with bullets holes till date. Attached and marked as Exhibits EK1, EK2, EK3, EK4, EK5 EK6, EK7 and EK8 are photographs showing with sufficient clarity the impacts of this assault on the Applicant’s home.

    “The by virtue of this contact the soldiers had with the Applicant in his room on this 14th day of September 2017, the soldiers must know where the Applicant is, his fate and state of health.

    “The rampaging Soldiers busted into the room of the Applicant in the course of this bloody attack and shoot at everything on sight, including living objects. Attached and variously marked Exhibits EK9, EK10, EK11, EK12, EK13 and EK14, are the photographs and video footage evidencing this dastardly attack on the home of the applicant, including the bullets holes in his bedroom.

    “The Respondent and his agents are fully aware that the   applicant will return to court on the 17th of October 2017 to stand for his trial in the case above mentioned.

    “The applicant has never been invited by any security Agency to response to any criminal allegation before this unprovoked bloody assault in his home.

    “The murderous raid in the home of the Applicant is targeted at eliminating him and not to arrest him.

    “If the intention of the Respondent was to arrest the Applicant, they would have quietly done that without killing unarmed and defenseless civilian populace found in the Applicant’s house.

    “Prior to the bloody onslaught on the Applicant’s house, the Applicant has never been invited by any Security Agency for any investigation. The Applicant was never invited by the Respondent’s office for investigation on allegation of any crime, at any time before the attack in his house.

    “The applicant and the members of IPOB are non-violent and unarmed group, agitating for their right to self-determination. IPOB do not carry arms neither are they into any form of armed struggle, and do not have history of violence.”

  • Ice Prince, Seyi Law, others receive Achievers Awards

    Ice Prince, Seyi Law, others receive Achievers Awards

    Popular Hip-hop singer Ice Prince and a veteran comedian Seyi Law, have been honoured with the “Peace Achievers Awards” by the Peace Ambassador Agency, an organisation that promotes national peace.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the duo received the awards at the 6th anniversary of the annual Miss Peace Achievers Awards held on Sunday in Abuja.

    The Plateau state born artiste received the “Musician of the Year /Peace Builder” award, while Seyi Law got the “Comedian of the Year/Peace Builder” award.

    Other celebrities that were honoured at the event include fast-rising Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels and singer Praize.

    According to Mr Kinsley Amafibe, the Project Director of the organisation, the  artistes are recognised for contributing to the growth of  the Nigerian entertainment industry which has empowered many youths, thereby promoting peaceful coexistence.

    He added that some of the recipients had also been involved in humanitarian gestures over the years, which had promoted social peace and harmony, which was in consonance with the objectives of the organisation.

    “These veterans have contributed a lot in building social harmony and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, using the entertainment industry.

    “They entertain and bring happiness to Nigerians, which are crucial keys to peace, in spite of tribal and religious differences.”

    In his remark, Ice Prince expressed delight that the award was an indication that the society was interested in what celebrities do.

    He, therefore, pledged his continuous commitment towards growing the entertainment industry.

    “I hope to strive to continue to put in my best both as a professional and a patriotic citizen of this great nation,’’ he said.

    The 2017 edition of the prestigious awards cuts across over 20 categories with recipients picked from various field of human endeavours.

    Other recipients of the Peace Achievers awards include the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, who was honoured with the “Award for Excellence in Peacekeeping” and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu.

    Mr Kenneth Emejuru was honoured with the a ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’,and  the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service ( FIRS ), Mr Tunde Fowler was also honoured.

    Amb. Louis LuLu Mnguni, The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, also received the Peace Builder awards, and Raymond Dokpesi of DAAR Communication got the “The Peace Builder of the Year Award”.

    NAN reports that the Peace Achievers Award is a flagship initiative of the Peace Ambassador Agency.

    The organisation promotes tolerance and peaceful coexistence by organizing beauty pageants, peace education and campaigns.

    Its peace education campaign, which is targeted mainly at the youths, trains and empowers students of higher institutions and other youth communities, irrespective of their religious and cultural backgrounds.

  • Operation Python Dance, Crocodile Smile in Nigerians’ interest —Buratai

    Operation Python Dance, Crocodile Smile in Nigerians’ interest —Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said that the Operation Python Dance 2 embarked upon by the Nigerian Army in the South East as well as the Operation Crocodile Smile 2 in the South South and South West zones were meant to tackle existing/emerging security challenges around the country.

    He assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of its constitutional duties while it would continue to obey the rule of law and remain guided by the rules of engagement.

    Buratai stated these yesterday in a paper he presented at the executive session of the second day of the 13th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) and Extraordinary Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The Chief of Army Staff, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Maj. Gen. Enobong Udoh, said: “The Nigerian Army belongs to the Nigerian people and it is poised to remain the pride of the nation and the last man in its defence.

    “In order to maintain the pride, I have laid structures for effective leadership and personnel management, because the Nigerian Army must strive to remain an institution of authority that creates responsibilities, provide direction, inspiration, vision and communicate same to personnel at all times.

    “By going in this direction, the Nigerian Army is poised to confront evolving internal and external threats, in order to guarantee the sovereignty of our dear country.

    “In so doing, we are avowed to remain firmly apolitical in order to always find ourselves in a good stead to defend our constitution by providing the needed security environment as a guarantee for the survival of our democracy.”

    Buratai also stated that his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff on July 13, 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari came at a time Boko Haram insurgents had instilled fear in the psyche of Nigerians and most of the troops’ locations were lost to the control of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    He noted that quite unfortunately, many officers and men of the Nigerian army lost their lives to insurgency, leading to a general dampening of troops’ morale and fighting spirit across the entire theatre.

    The army chief stressed that upon his appointment, he was naturally confronted with the urgent need to take workable measures aimed at reversing the ugly trend and begin a positive drive towards winning a decisive victory against the Boko Haram terrorists.

    He said: “On December 22, 2016, our gallant troops decimated the insurgents and took over Camp Zairo in Sambisa Forest from them, in what was definitely a landmark development in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the Northeast, as Camp Zairo, which was hitherto the command headquarters of the Boko Haram leadership, was captured by our gallant troops.

    “The location is now a training area designated Lt. Col. Abu Ali Shooting Range. The troops are almost through with ongoing efforts at completely flushing out remnants of the insurgents from their hideouts in other parts of the forest.

    “The challenges of cattle rustling, herdsmen and farmers’ clashes and kidnappings in some Northern states and the Middle Belt are being tackled through the conduct of Operation MESA in all the states in the country.

    “The challenges of increased militancy, pipeline vandalism and kidnapping in the Southern part of the country have been accorded appropriate attention.”

    Buratai also stated that under his watch, the performances of troops in assigned operational tasks were being complemented by sustainable welfare programmes.

    He lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his immense support for the Nigerian Army while reassuring him of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the Nigerian Army to the defence of democratic governance in Nigeria.

    The session was chaired by a former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba. It also had in attendance a former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs. Ibim Semenitari; President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Waheed Odusile; and the President of NGE, Funke Egbemode, among other eminent personalities.

    Papers were also presented by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who was represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. Ebisintei Awudu, among others.

  • Ebonyi supports army’s ‘Python Dance’

    Ebonyi supports army’s ‘Python Dance’

    The Ebonyi Government has declared support for the ongoing Nigerian Army exercise – “Egwu Eke’’, Python Dance II, in the South East zone.

    Gov. David Umahi declared the support when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    He, however, urged the army to keep to its rules of engagement.

    Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwu, Umahi noted that there was misconception of the exercise by some people in the region.

    He said that the first phase of the exercise, which took place in the zone between November and December 2016, recorded success without any reported case of human rights abuse or molestation.

    “We support the army; we support the exercise, but please dance by the rules of engagement; dance in the bush, not in the street,’’ the governor said.

    On the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafa ( IPOB ), Umahi condemned the activities of the group, saying “we do not address perceived injustice through violence’’.

    The governor said the state was enjoying relative peace in terms of security.

    He called for army establishment of army formation in the border between Ebonyi and Cross River, to address recurring communal clashes in the area.

    Earlier, the army chief restated that the exercise was designed to sharpen the skills of personnel to be able to deal with internal security issues.

    Buratai stressed that Egwu Eke was carefully planned in the interest of the South East and not targeted at any group, saying that security was “key to development’’.

    “We assure you that our troops will abide by rules of engagement and code of conduct,’’ he said.

    He said that alongside the exercise, the army would render humanitarian services such as medical outreach and sanitation in various communities in the region and urged the people to show understanding.