The immediate past ambassador to the Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd) has assured of a peaceful general election this year in Nigeria.
The former Chief of Army Staff dispelled fears of possible breakdown of law and order in the country during and after the general elections which begin February 25, assuring that security personnel are on top of the situation towards ensuring a hitch-free voting exercise in the country.
During an interactive session with BBC Hausa Service, Buratai reiterated the assurance of peaceful and successful elections in every part of the country.
According to him: “[On] the issue of security in Nigeria, especially during the election period, I am quite aware that the security agencies will make sure elections hold nationwide and we have the assurances, especially from the Police, DSS and the Army where the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya has earlier spoken to assure Nigerians about the army’s readiness to provide security.”
He noted that most of the threats of terrorists and the activities of IPOB in the South East are empty, alleging that they just want to instil fear in the state and the citizenry.
The former Chief of Army Staff stated that the security agencies would provide maximum security for the safety of the electorate to be able to come out and vote peacefully in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking on ISWAP and Boko Haram, he said following investigations on the level of insecurity in Nigeria, the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) shows security in Nigeria has improved significantly.
Attacks and killings, he said, have reduced by about 48% in northern Nigeria which also takes Nigeria off of the list of nations with the highest security challenges and terrorism, meaning an improvement in the security situation in the country.
He assured that the aims of ISWAP and Boko Haram, which he sees as the same organisation, have been defeated and no longer pose a threat to the country
