Attack Threats: Security Agencies Will Ensure Polls Hold Nationwide, Says Former Army Chief

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai has stated that security agencies will provide maximum security for voters in the forthcoming elections in the country.

This was made known by Buratai in an interview published by BBC Hausa on Wednesday.

The former chief of army staff said he is confident that security forces will ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in the country.

He said threats by IPOB and ISWAP/Boko Haram will not prevent elections from holding in the country as the police and army have assured Nigerians of their readiness.

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“The issue of security in Nigeria especially during the election period, I’m certain 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 COAS Lt Gen F Yahaya had assured Nigerians on the readiness of the army to provide security,” Buratai said.

“In the southeast, there’s IPOB. Even though they carry out attacks, most of their threats are empty and just to insert fear in people and I’m certain the security forces won’t allow them especially when it comes to the election period.

“If you also look at other places like the north-west and north-central, they also have security challenges.

“But I believe the security agencies when it’s time for elections will provide maximum security for the safety of the electorates to be able to come out and vote peacefully.

“In an investigation that we received recently, shootings and attacks have reduced by 48%. In fact, Nigeria is now out of the list of nations with high levels of security challenges and terrorism. So if you look at it, ISWAP/Boko Haram is being defeated.

“ISWAP and Boko Haram, I see the two as the same terrorist organization; their strength has been drastically reduced.”

Buratai’s comment comes hours after a militant group, which identified itself as ‘The Force of Egbesu’, threatened to disrupt elections in Bayelsa state.