Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) has said that the 2023 general election will go on as scheduled in spite of security challenges in some parts of the country.
Buratai noted that attacks and killings in Nigeria have reduced by about 48 percent, which also takes the country out of the list of nations with highest security challenges and terrorism.
Speaking with BBC Hausa Service, the former Ambassador to Benin Republic said those threatening to disrupt the forthcoming polls were wasting their time as their threats do not hold water.
Buratai said, “The issue of security in Nigeria, especially during the election period, I am quite aware that the security agencies will make sure elections hold nationwide and we have the assurances especially from the Police, DSS and the Army where the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya had earlier assured Nigerians of the Army’s readiness to provide security.”
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“For the terrorist activities of the IPOB in the South East, even though they used to strike but most of their threats are empty. They just want to instill fear in the state and the citizens.I am also sure the security forces will not allow them go unchecked during the forthcoming election.
“If you look at the security challenges in the North, the security agencies will also provide maximum security for the safety of the electorate to be able to come out and vote peacefully.”
On ISWAP and Boko Haram in the North East, Buratai said, “I don’t know how the BBC carried out their investigation on the level of insecurity in Nigeria but we did our internal investigation which also, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) shows security in Nigeria has improved significantly.
“Attacks and killings have come down by about 48% which also takes Nigeria out of the list of nations with highest security challenges and terrorism.
“ISWAP and Boko Haram’s aim have been defeated, even though I see the two as same terrorist organization but their activities have been drastically defeated and they pose no threat to the State.”