Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Monguno, Borno State, vowed to fish out and punish politicians who, he said, are deliberately instigating violence in some states to seek relevance.
Buhari, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu, was speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the closing events of the 2018 Army Day celebrations.
The president repeated what he told Christian leaders on Thursday that a solution was being found to the deadly clashes between farmers and herdsmen and whosoever was found culpable would be brought to justice. Thanking the armed forces for keeping the country safe, he acknowledged that there were still challenges.
Buhari used the opportunity to reassure the world, Nigerians and the families of the remaining kidnapped Chibok girls and Leah Sharebu of the Dapchi School girls that his administration will not relent in its efforts to see that they are all released.
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State was quoted as saying, that Suicide attack is a sign of weakness, not strength and thanked God that the insurgency has ended.
The Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General Mansur Dan Ali commended the army for establishing a motorcycle battalion to enhance mobility and provide security in areas unfavourable to vehicular movements, and the Air Force for setting up rapid response groups in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, said the military operations in the Northeast were moving from engagements of a combat nature to humanitarian and civilian support services to assist victims of insurgency to return to their communities.
The Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, said the choice of Monguno for the 2018 events was intended to celebrate the achievements of the army in its combat efficiency, civil-military relations and its efforts in research, development and technological attainments.