The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has called on traditional rulers in the Niger Delta to support military efforts aimed at ending criminality in the region.
Buratai made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Brass, Amayanabo of Twon Brass, Alfred Diette-Spiff, while on tour of operation areas of “Exercise Crocodile Smile.’’
Buratai said the traditional institution in Bayelsa had a great role to play in putting an end to piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and pipeline vandalism in the region.
“We know the significance of this kingdom to the country.
“This is not my first time of being here. I was here when I was Brigade Commander in Port Harcourt. So it is a home coming.
“We are here to see our troops on `Exercise Crocodile Smile’.
“It is an exercise to train our troops on combat readiness, and also to curb criminalities in this area. The issue of piracy is also on our agenda.
“Our role is to also protect our national assets and ensure law and order. Traditional rulers are key in the security issues in this region. We implore you to give us your support,” the chief of army staff said.
In his remark, the Amayanabo, represented by his Deputy, Chief Potte George, commended the Federal Government for its efforts at curbing militancy in the region.
The traditional ruler, however, said that dialogue was crucial in resolving the spate of bombings in the region.
“I urge the Niger Delta Avengers to listen to government and see what it wants to do.
“Continuous bombing of oil installations is very painful to us; and we are all suffering the consequence.
“Oil spillage is everywhere, and fishes are dying. The avengers should stop their destruction immediately and embrace dialogue,” he said.
Diette-Spiff expressed the traditional institution’s support for the military’s exercise aimed at building its capacity to curb criminality in the region.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the army is working in conjunction with sister services, Police, DSS and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps in securing the region. (NAN)