Security: Army, police to work together

The Chief of Army of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on internal security

By nan

The Chief of Army of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday stressed the need for the army and police to work together to ensure internal security in the country.

Speaking when he visited the Inspector-General, Mr Ibrahim Idris, in Abuja, Buratai said that the army would continue to support the civil authority in maintaining law and order whenever the need arises.

He noted that although the police were saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order, the army had a role to play in view of the prevailing security situation across the nation.

The army chief cited the insurgency in the North East, militancy in the Niger Delta, herdsmen/farmers clashes and agitation in other parts as some of the reasons why the army was involved in internal security.

“Primarily, the responsibility of maintaining law and order is vested in the Nigeria Police.

“So far, the Nigerian Army has been called out to support the police in the provision of law and order, and ensuring that the safety of the citizen is guaranteed.

“It is out of necessity that the army has been called out.

“We have been performing several internal security duties, popularly referred to as internal security operations.

“Virtually in all the states of the federation, the Nigerian army is involved in this – internal security operations.

“We really need to come together and synergise more than ever before at this trying period,’’ he said.

Responding, the I-G described the army as the “last hope’’ in the effort to ensure internal security, and also called for collaboration between the two security agencies.

“You are the last line of defence for this country. We expect you – army to come in to support us – police when the situation demands because you are last hope of security in this country,’’ Idris said.

He commended Buratai for leading the army to achieve success in the fight against insurgency in the North East.

“You have done a great job in the North East. Honestly, we have to appreciate you,’’ the I-G said.

It will be recalled that the police boss had paid a similar visit to the army chief shortly after he assumed duty