The Chief of Army Staff , Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, this Friday admitted that the efforts by the Nigerian military to tackle the state of insecurity in the North-Central and North-Western parts of Nigeria had not yielded the desired outcome.

In a statement to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, Buratai said  the Armed Forces have experienced some shortcomings in their fight against insecurity across the country. He promised to address the situation and strategize so the Army can do better.

He however commended the Nigerian Army for the successes so far recorded in the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East.

He said: “The achievements recorded by the army in the various activities conducted in the last few months are worthy of mention.

“These activities include the successful conduct of Operation Deep Punch II, Exercise Ayem Akpatuma (Exercise Cat Race) and Operation Last Hold, which is ongoing and the hosting of the African Land Forces Summit in Abuja to mention but a few. Furthermore, we have effectively tackled the Boko Haram insurgency.

“However, in the areas of kidnapping, cattle rustling in the North-Central and North-Western regions, we are re-strategising to decisively deal with the situation.”

The army boss called officers and soldiers to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their constitutional duties, charging them to remain disciplined, committed, dedicated, resilient and courageous in discharging their duties.

The army chief also promised to achieve his vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a more potent, professional and responsive force that will effectively curtail contemporary security challenges.

Buratai further reiterated his loyalty and those of other army personnel to President Muhammadu Buhari as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that the army would continue to remain apolitical while ensuring the sustenance of democracy.