Army Council Approves 8th Division in Sokoto

 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai has disclosed that the Nigerian Army Council has approved the establishment of the 8th Army Division in Sokoto.

He disclosed this in Sokoto on Sunday when he paid condolence visit on the Governor of Sokoto state, Aminu Tambuwal over the death of late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.

The COAS however said that the officers and men that would be posted to the new Division were currently operating in the Northeast.

According to Buratai, “As soon the security situation in that region is fully stabilised, the Division will move to Sokoto. The move is part of efforts to provide sustainable peace and unity of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Army is fully committed to ensuring this.”

Commending Tambuwal for his support to the 1 Brigade and other security agencies in Sokoto, the COAS also commended the governor for the existing relationship between the Army and the people of the state.

Burutai reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to ensuring sustainable national security, peace and unity.

He described the late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki as a national icon whose legacies would remain indelible.

Responding, Tambuwal commended the Army for establishing a Division and two Command Secondary Schools in Sokoto and Shagari.
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Also pledging to continue to support the military as well as other security agencies in the state,Tambuwal further commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts to restore peace in the Northeast and other parts of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, about thirty terrorists suspected to be member of dreaded Boko Haram have met their waterloo in the hand of Nigerian troops when they attempted to ambush a convoy of local government officials and travellers along Bama road after Nguro-Soye.

The troops from 121 Task Force Battalion Pulka, were escorting local officiasl from Pulka to Maiduguri when the incident occurred on Saturday morning.

The Chairman Caretaker Committee of Gwoza Local Government Council, Hon Saeed Salisu Sambo who was in the convoy disclosed that the terrorists detonated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and followed with sporadic gun shots which was immediately repelled by the gallant troops.

The troops pursued and dealt with the armed attackers with military precision.

Honourable Saeed who was full of praises for the Nigerian troops told PRNigeria that no life was lost on the side of the troops and civilians.

He said: “I must commend the gallantry of the troops led by the duo Patrol Commanders of the 121BN Captain S. Suleiman and Lt. N. Ayuba.”

Some soldiers who were injured during the encounter are presently receiving medical attention at Brigadier Maimalari Barracks Hospital.

An emergency worker, who pled anonymity also confirmed counting the bodies of about 30 Terrorists killed after the encounter.