The Commander 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General
Bamidele Ali Alabi, has said the
military is well prepared to protect Kano State against any form of banditry,
kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling and terrorism.
The army boss stated this on Tuesday while receiving the
executive members of the Correspondent Chapel, Kano State chapter of Nigerian
Union of Journalists (NUJ) in his office at Bukavu Barracks.
According to him, the
military is combat-ready to deal with
bandits perpetrating criminal activities in neighbouring states of
Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto, who are planning to infiltrate Kano.
“Kano State is not a place that you allow things to
escalate. We operate by the rules of engagement. Already, the Chief of Army
Staff has approved a joint-task force in Kano and Jigawa State, and we have
been operating in synergy with sister security agencies.
"We always allow the police to move in first; and when
our services are needed, we are always aaround the come in and do the needful,"
he said.
According to him, "Just yesterday (May 27), we were at
the Karaye Emirate where we held a security seminar. All security agencies were
fully represented. I was there in person. The state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi
Umar Ganduje, was also there.
"The Emir of Karaye, District Heads, Village Heads and
other stakeholders were there and our discussions were very fruitful. I assure
you that the military is ready to play its own part to ensure that Kano remains
peaceful."
Brigadier-General Alabi, however, underscored the role of
the media in peace and order in the society, pointing out that the military
recognize such roles and would always want to work in synergy with the media to
ensure a peaceful and crime-free society.
"we commend journalists in Kano for their high sense of
professionalism. For the short time I have spent here, I can attest to the fact
that you people are not sentimental or sensational in your reportage; and I
want you to keep it up.
"The military has always worked together with the
media. Media operation remains one of our most tactical training. Media is a
very important component of military operation. I promise you that the Brigade
will continue to provide full support to the media."
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Kano NUJ Correspondent
Chapel, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, said they
were at 3 Brigade to renew the existing cordial relationship between the
military and working journalists in Kano.
According to him, "For so long, we have been working
hand-in-hand with the military while carrying out our duty as
Journalists."
Shuaibu further pointed out that "tackling security
challenges is one of the Nigerian Army's major concerns. Issues of kidnaping,
cattle rustling, armed robbery and other forms of banditry are on the increase
in some parts of the country.
"We are not unaware of the military's efforts in
curbing this menace; and that is why we want to work in synergy with you to
ensure a peaceful, crime-free and better society."
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