Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has commended the gallantry and valour of officers and men of the Nigerian Army in restoring security and peace to all parts of the state.
Idris gave the commendation on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi when Brig.-Gen. Ibikunle Ademola-Ajose, the new acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto visited him.
The governor said that the military made the Kebbi people proud, and he had to thank the officers and men for restoring security to the state.
He stated that when he came in as governor, people in the southern part of the state abandoned their towns and villages, while farmers had forsaken their farmlands for fear of banditry.
According to him, Kebbi is an agrarian state, especially in the south, where so many cash crops are produced.
“We discussed strategies with security agencies to restore security; although security operatives are under the Federal Government, they are here to work for us.
“We must work together with the military and other security outfits to achieve what we want, which is to restore security and peace to southern Kebbi and other parts of the state.
“People have since returned to their towns and villages and have resumed cultivation of their farmlands.
“We will do everything possible to ensure the success of the military and other security forces in whatever way you desire assistance; I assure you, we will do it,” he said.
The governor commended the outgoing commander, Brig.-Gen. Sani Ahmed, for his services to the state and urged the new GOC to sustain the efforts of his predecessor.
Brig-Gen. Ademola-Ajose who is also Commander, Joint Task Force North West, ‘Operation Hadarin Daji’ told the governor that his visit was to introduce himself as the new GOC.
The GOC said that the visit was also to thank the governor for his immense moral and material support to the Nigerian Army and the entire military.
“The Commanding Officer, 1 Battalion, Birnin Kebbi, spoke to me about the continuing support by the Kebbi Government to his men that energised the troops to take the fight to the criminals.
“That you provided soldiers with operational patrol vehicles, settled the medical bills of casualties, and solved some administrative matters, we thank you for the support to the troops.
“The army will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of the citizenry and safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“Officers and men remain resolute to keep Kebbi and other places peaceful, allowing people to go about their daily lives secured in peace and tranquility,” the GOC said.