TheCable

Director of defence information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, has assured Nigerians that the military would defend the territorial integrity of the country and also end the ongoing insurgency in the northeast.

Olukolade urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and support the military, saying the present security situation has not only affected the reputation of the military but also the nation.

“In the light of the current challenges in the counter-terrorism efforts in the northeast, which has understandably elicited a sense of apprehension among citizens and even foreign allies, we want to urge citizens to remain steadfast,” he said in a statement.

“We welcome all the concerns shown by Nigerians and a section of the international community following the increased menace and activities of terrorists.

“It is also necessary to reassure all that the Nigerian Armed Forces is more than ever determined and committed to the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria. It is not only the pride and reputation of the military that is at stake, but that of the entire nation.”

He said the military remains fully conscious of its obligations and fully prepared to execute them with utmost diligence.

Lietenant-General Kenneth Minimah, the chief of army staff, had earlier pledged the readiness of the army to defeat terrorism and insurgency in the country.

He said this on Friday while addressing officers of the 13 Brigade Nigerian army in Calabar.