By Kingsley Omonobi
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment and determination to carry out its constitutional roles of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation even as he solicited the cooperation and support from the Department of State Security Service (DSS).

Making the disclosure when he paid a courtesy call on the DG DSS, Alhaji Lawal Daura in his office at Asokoro, Abuja, Buratai congratulated the DG on his appointment and highlighted the strategic importance of the DSS and its special role, particularly in the area of intelligence gathering while enjoining the Department to synergize with the Army.

Burati, Chief of Army Staff

He called for joint operations between the two institutions, assuring that Nigerian Army is ready to collaborate with the DSS at all times.

The Army Chief also solicited for joint training among the personnel of both institutions to enable them collaborate, and share ideas for successful joint operations.

A statement signed by Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu from Army headquarters said; General Buratai pointed out that coordination in specific areas was critical and promised that the Nigerian Army will provide the requisite expertise in such areas of collaboration when called upon.

Responding, the DG DSS, Alhaji Lawal Daura enjoined officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to consider the DSS as a partner in the security of the nation saying, “let me state unequivocally that the DSS is an extension of the Nigerian Army”.

He noted that the two institutions have a lot in common, promising that the cordial relationship already existing between them would continue to grow from strength to strength.

The DG pointed out that due to the peculiarity of the present security challenges facing the nation, there was need for synergy between them.