By Olayemi Esan, Abuja
No fewer than 45
physically challenged persons were beneficiaries of wheelchairs donation
by the Nigerian military as part of its Civil-Military Cooperation
measures.
This was disclosed by the Defence Headquarters, which
explained that the move was part of its non-kinetic approach towards
achieving peace in the North Central Zone.
Director, Defence Media
Operations, Brig.-Gen Benard Onyeuko made this known on Thursday at the
Defence Headquarters, while briefing journalists on the activities of
the military in the last two weeks.
Onyeuko said, the troops also
donated exercise books and other writing materials to students of Pilot
Science Primary School at Bungha Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau
and Government Secondary School, Zango in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna
States.
He said, troops also held peace and security meetings with
community heads, youth leaders and other critical stakeholders at the
Emir Palace in Wase Local Government and Jengre Town in Bassa LGA of
Plateau State.
According to Onyeuko, the forum was called to discuss various security challenges in the area.
He added that the troops also carried out rescue operations.
"Two
Fulani herdsmen were rescued at Mararaban Tifa Town, two kidnapped
victims at Ungwan Ayaba District in Nasarawa State and one along Tahoss -
Sopp Road in Plateau State".
The military spokesperson also said
troops of Operation Whirl Stroke carried out operations that led to the
destruction of bandits’ hideouts, the arrest of eight bandits including
their informants and rescued some kidnap victims in Taraba State.
He
reveals the items recovered in the course of the operations, which
include, 6 AK-47 rifles, one SMG, 2 pistols, 66 rounds of 7.62mm NATO
ammunition among other items.
Onyeuko added that, troops held peace
and security meetings with community heads, youths’ leaders in order to
sustain peace, prevent communal clashes and undiscriminating farm,
destruction by herders’ cattle and other security challenges in the
states.
With various kinetic operations that were carried out to deny
terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action
as well as frustrating movement of arms and other illegal items in all
theatres of operations, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor
praised the sacrifices of the troops in various theatres of operations
across the country.
Gen Irabor salutes their courage, service and commitment to the nation.
