By Olayemi Esan
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya has assured that the existing cooperation between the Army and other security agencies, both in Oyo state and the country at large would be sustained and reinvigorated for the common goal of securing the nation for peace, unity and stability.
Army spokesperson made this known in a statement on Monday and made available to Defence correspondents.
According to the statement, Lt. Gen. Yahaya gave this assurance when during a visit to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde at the Government House, Agodi, and to the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji.
The Army Chief appreciated the support and cooperation enjoyed by the Army from the Oyo State government and Olubadan-in-Council, as well as the good people of Oyo State.
The COAS solicited for more support and pledged that the Nigerian Army will continue to carryout its constitutional duties effectively and perform the role of providing aid to civil authority, when called upon to do so.
Responding, the Governor Makinde solicited for continuous synergy between the government and security agencies as well as members of the society at large to fish out unscrupulous persons for peace, harmony and socio-economic growth in the state.
He also commended the role 2 Division of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have been playing in the state.
Makinde pledged his continued support to the Army and security agencies to carry out the onerous task of securing lives and property in the state.
He assured the general public that there is no ethnic profiling in the state.
The Govenor pointed out that the government is rather poised to go after criminals, no matter their position in the society.
In the same vein, Oba Adetunji, described the role of the Nigeria Army as very important in the security architecture of the nation.
The Olubadan stated this while paying host to the Chief of Army Staff who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Popo Yemoja area of Ibadan.
The monarch described the role and actions of the COAS, especially in the war against insurgency and banditry as commendable, calling for collaboration between the traditional rulers and the security agencies for enduring solution to emerging security challenges in the country.
The royal father, speaking through the Balogun of Ibadan Land, High Chief Akintoye Owolabi Olakunlehin prayed for a better and peaceful Nigeria in the near future.
He however urged the Army not to relent in its operations against bandits' and insurgents' hideouts which has culminated in their surrendering in droves.