COAS says Gov Lalong’s non-kinetic efforts key to engendering peaceful coexistence
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya has said that the genuine efforts of Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong in promoting peace in the State through non-kinetic means has been very valuable and key to engendering peaceful coexistence in the state.
The COAS who stated this in Jos on Wednesday when he visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield, assured the governor that the Nigerian Army would continue to work with the State in restoring peace and security to Plateau State.
According him, the Nigerian Army, through its Operation Safe Haven special task force and the 3rd Armoured Division, would not relent in its operational duties of dealing with criminal elements who are working against the peace of the State and country at large.
The COAS sympathized with the State Governor and the people of the state over the recent attacks and assured that the military would not allow a reoccurrence, and urged the people to continue to support the security agencies.
He thanked the Governor for supporting the Army structure in the State and also at the level of the Northern Governors Forum towards overcoming security challenges.
General Yahaya said the security challenges in the country would definitely be overcome with the support and collaboration of all citizens.
Responding, Governor Lalong welcomed the Army Chief to Plateau State, saying that he was delighted by the visit which he said was an opportunity for the Government to appreciate the efforts of the armed forces in tackling insecurity in the State especially in recent months.
According to the governor, although the challenges were yet to be overcome, the Army had made enermous progress in various parts of the country where bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other enemies of State have been dealt a heavy blow.
Lalong assured the COAS of the continued support of the Plateau State Government and the Northern Governors Forum to the army and other law enforcement agencies in addressing insecurity.
A statement by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Director of Press & Public Affairs to Governor Lalong, said the governor maintained that his Administration would continue to utilise the Peace Building Agency and other structures towards addressing conflicts and preventing violence.
