Buratai assures army’s support for internal security

From Isa Sa’idu, Zaria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Yusuf Tukur Buratai, yesterday said the constitutional role of the military is to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity not maintenance of internal security.

Buratai said this at the 2016/2017 Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria.

He however pledged the commitment of the military, particularly the Army, to support the civil authority in the maintenance of internal security.

The COAS, who was represented by the Commandant, 1st Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, added, “the Army, as you all know, has been involved in the support of civil authority in the maintenance of internal security in addition to its constitutional role of protecting the territory of Nigeria.

“The escalating level of insecurity in the country has much to do with the level of training that our children have. Having an institution that will ensure that children are inculcated with a high level of discipline, knowledge and patriotism is what all stakeholders in the Nigerian project should encourage.”

Buratai assured that the Army would continue to provide basic facilities in all schools under it for attainment of excellence and proficiency.

He noted that the NMS had produced seasoned military officers and highly experienced technocrats who are

contributing positively to the development of Nigeria. He urged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the school and the Nigerian Army.

Daily Trust on Sunday reports that awards and cash gift of N250,000 were presented to four graduates that distinguished themselves in different areas.