Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Following a request by the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, troops of the Nigerian Army and police operatives have been deployed to the Kaduna Airport Road and environs.
The deployment also covers some strategic locations, where aggressive fighting patrols are in progress by the troops and police operatives.
Recalled that in less than one week over 20 residents were abducted by gunmen within Kaduna city and suburbs.
According to the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, the deployment is aimed at beefing up security around the Kaduna Airport Road, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road Roundabout and the Nigerian Defence Academy Road.
“The Nigerian Air Force will retain the duty of securing the immediate premises of the Kaduna Airport, its staff quarters and other critical aviation assets in the airport”. He said
At a meeting between the state government, the Nigerian Army, Police, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and community leaders held at Kutungare village, Igabi local government, Aruwan challenged the community leaders to cooperate with the newly deployed troops and operatives.
The Commissioner further said, “We are here to see for ourselves the ongoing aggressive fighting patrols by the newly deployed troops and police operatives in these locations.
“This will complement the Nigerian Air Force who are working in the immediate airport environment, while the troops and operatives cover the general area.”
In his remarks, the Garrison Commander, One Division Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen Olusegun Abai said communities have roles to play in enhancing security through information sharing and working harmoniously with security agencies.
He added that the army will be open to the communities in line with the principles of civil-military relations.
Similarly, Governor El-Rufai has commended the Nigerian Army for deploying troops to Juji village in Chikun local government area following security challenges in the village and adjoining communities on the Kaduna Eastern By-pass.
The Governor’s commendation was delivered by the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, when he led a meeting with the Commanding Officer, 312 Artillery Regiment, Lt. Col. AK Muhammad and the community leaders in the village.
The Commissioner was full of praise for the community leaders who have been supportive to the security agencies and the government.
He charged them to sustain the security information sharing mechanism in place by the Kaduna State Government, and also urged recourse to the law by aggrieved individuals and groups.