The Federal Government has ordered an immediate change in the operational commands of Operations Lafiya Dole in the North East, Delta Safe in the Niger Delta, Sharan Daji in Zamfara and Katsina states, as well as Awatse in the South West.
Minister of defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, gave the directive in a statement by his spokesman, Tukur Gusau, a colonel, on Monday.
The statement further quoted the Dan-Ali to have directed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, to remain in the North East until the security situation improved.
According to Gusau, the directives, fallout of a meeting the minister had with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, and other Service Chiefs.
“The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali met with the CD8 and Service Chiefs today Monday 3, December 2018, at the Ship House, Headquarters of Ministry of Defence, and consequently directed the Chief of Army Staff to remain in the North East until security situation improves.
“Similarly, the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division, Nigerian Army was also directed to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau, Zamfara State, to oversee the conduct of Operation SI IARAN DAJI.
“The Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff were also mandated to effect changes in the operational commands of Operations Delta Safe in the Niger Delta, Lafiya Dole in the North East, Sharan Daji.” in Zamfara and Kalsina states and Awatse in the South West,” Gusau said.
He noted the decision was to enable the military brass tackle the Boko Haram activities in the North East, and other security challenges across the country.
In the meantime, the statement added that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the procurement of some critical equipment to deal with the immediate threats.
The equipment, the statement disclosed, will be bought from original manufacturers, on a government-to-government arrangement.
“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has also directed the emergency procurement of critical equipment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in line with the Federal Government policy of procuring equipment from Original Equipment Manufacturers through government to government basis.
“The Council/Board also considered and approved the promotion of qualified senior military officers to their next higher ranks.
“In a related development and a show of concern to the welfare needs of members of the Armed Forces, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has directed the enhancement of the welfare of troops particularly those serving in operational areas within the country,” the statement said.
