Army set to establish base in Gombe

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the Army plans to establish a military unit at Ashaka, Gombe State.

Buratai stated this on Wednesday in Gombe, when he paid a courtesy call on Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.

He said the move to establish the military base in the area was part of measures to check any incursion by insurgents through the axis.

Buratai said the relationship between the military and civilians in the state has been cordial, adding that it should be maintained.

The Army chief said he was on his way to visit troops in Biu, Buni Yadi and other locations in the North-East to celebrate the Christmas with them.

The governor hailed the military for ensuring that the state remained peaceful.

He said the state government had approved a parcel of land with a Certificate of Occupancy for the construction of the military unit.

The governor added that the state government would always key into programmes initiated by the military to safeguard lives and property.

Dankwambo called on the people of the state to support the military and remain law abiding.

“I also want to assure you that we will key into any programme that has been adopted by your administration.

“I am calling on our people to exercise vigilance to be more careful while they welcome visitors in their midst.”

He commended the efforts of the Army chief in ensuring that insurgency was curbed in the North-East.