*As Defence Minister orders COAS, others to relocate to operational theatre
By Linus Aleke
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali has directed the Chief of Army Staff to relocate and remain in the North East until the security situation improves.
Dan-Ali who gave this directive yesterday during the Army Council and Navy Board Meetings at the Ship House, Headquarters of Ministry of Defence also directed the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Nigerian Army to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau, Zamfara state to oversee the conduct of Operation Sharan Daji.
The minister also mandated Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin and Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai 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 Katsina states as well as Awatse in the South West.
The spokesperson of the Minister of Defence, Colonel Tukur Gusau who conveyed this directive in a statement in Abuja further explained that the directive was to enable them to meet up with the current threats and security challenges in their areas of responsibility.
He said that the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari 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.
Colonel Gusau added that the Council/Board also considered and approved the promotion of qualified senior military officers to their next higher ranks.
While concluding the statement, the minister’s image maker noted that the President Buhari equally gave directive on the enhancement of the welfare of troops particularly those serving in operational areas within the country.
