From Musa Umar Bologi
Makurdi
The Nigerian Army has again assured of its readiness to crush any group that threatens economic prosperity and unity of the country.
Addressing journalists after declaring open this year’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) combined 2nd and 3rd Quarter Conference in Makurdi, Benue state, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, said the military would not hesitate in accordance with its mandate to deal with any group that is posed to bring the country into the hardship through economic sabotage and destruction of national assets, as well as dividing the country under any guise.
He emphasised that the military had the constitutional mandate to protect the terrestrial sovereignty and assets of the country, as well as ensure that the country remain united and indivisible.
Olonisakin, therefore, warned militant groups in the Niger Delta and members of Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to desist from their act or face the full wrath of the law.
He said rather than engaging in unlawful activities the militants and MASSOB should channel their energies in the development and progress of the country.
He said: “Just as President Muhammadu Buhari has said the unity of this country is sacrosanct. And we in the military are posed to ensuring that it is achieved. We are posed to ensuring that peace is achieved in the country by all means.
“So those clamoring for secession should desist and channel their energies to the development of the country. It is also our role to ensure peace, safety of lives of citizenry and unity of the country. We must ensure peace for progress and economic development.
“We also warn those who involve in economic sabotage to desist and engage in activities that will bring economic prosperity to the country.”
Earlier, in his address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the army would continue to ensure discipline and regimentation in its personnel in line with his vision of building a professionally responsive army in discharge of its constitutional duty.
He added that the army would also continue to re-strategise to surmount several security challenges in the country.
In his address, the Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, commended the military for decimating Boko Haram insurgents in the North-east.
