As Buhari directs Navy to sustain efforts at tackling piracy in Gulf of Guinea

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

ABUJA—Presidency yesterday commended the Nigerian Army on the defeat of insurgency in Nigeria.

This is as President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday directed the Nigerian Navy to sustain military action that had led to reduction of crimes at the Gulf of Guinea.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, gave the commendation while speaking at the Guards Brigade First Quarter Inter-Unit Short Talk Competition in Abuja.

Adesina said the Nigerian Army deserved commendation for its efforts at curtailing the activities of the insurgents, and fighting other criminal elements in various parts of the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari in a hand shake with the Chief of Defence Staff, General, Abayomi Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai

The president’s spokesman was a guest of honour at the event designed by the Guards Brigade to enhance the ability of men and officers to communicate effectively with the public, especially on their operations.

He said: “I must at this point commend the effort of the Nigerian Army in clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists from North East of our dear country and other ongoing operations against criminal elements across the country.

“We must continue to reflect and remember the great sacrifices our gallant men and women in the Nigerian Army are making to keep our fatherland safe and habitable. Well done and keep it up”.

He added that regular training and equipping the army remained important, in view of rising security challenges.

Adesina also urged the Army to remain resolute and sustain the tempo of equipping its soldiers.

In his remarks, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier- General, Musa Sani Yusuf, said the competition was put together to enhance the personal confidence of officers and men in public speaking.

He said the event also seeks to highlight the roles and responsibilities of the army to the public.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Nigerian Navy to sustain military action that had led to reduction of crimes at the Gulf of Guinea.

He gave the directive after receiving briefing on the security situation of the country from the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the private meeting with the President, Ibas said incidences of crime had reduced drastically.

He said: “On piracy, the assertion about the Gulf of Guinea being the most notorious water in this part of the world has been taken seriously.

“In the last one year, we have in place a dedicated task force there to address this challenge.