(Philip Nwosu)

The Nigerian Army yesterday vow to act against criminal elements disturbing Nigeria’s economic prosperity in the Niger Delta and the peace of communities in the South East.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai made the vow in Lagos warning the Niger Delta Avengers and the Herdsmen in the Niger Delta and South East and North Central respectively to toe the line of peace or have the Nigerian Army to confront with.

Buratai who was on tour of formations of 81 Division in Lagos said the military would not reveal its tactics to deal with the herdsmen and “criminal elements” in the Niger Delta, but assured that the force would to seek also the insurgents in the North East to make the area a peaceful area.

General Buratai said the military would continue in its push to also rout the insurgents in the north east and ensure that peace returns in the area.

The Army Chief also addressed troops of force at the Bonny Cantonment warning them to desist from engaging in actions that would make them to be disloyal to the government.

He said: “Remain loyal, disciplined and perform your duties without being prompted and the army will continue to improve on your welfare needs, the requirement are quite enormous but we will work to ensure we achieve this.”

He commended the efforts of soldiers in the north east, explaining that the soldiers fighting the insurgents in the north east are doing Nigeria proud and that the president is happy with them.

He warned that there is need for the military and the paramilitary agencies to work together, urging the soldiers to establish cordial relationship with the civil society, adding that, “ you must not allow yourselves to be used for any act of sabotage against the country.”

In another development, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin said that the Nigerian Navy had performed creditably in securing the nation’s territorial waters in its 60 years of existence.

The CDS stated this at a two-day International Maritime Conference organised as part of activities commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of the Navy.

“The Navy has done well within its available resources, especially in securing the maritime environment,” the CDS said.

Olonisakin assured that the Armed Forces would continue to work together to keep the nation’s maritime environment safe from any form of criminality.

According to the CDS, the Armed Forces have “stepped up the game” against militancy in the Niger Delta and warned those involved to desist from any form of sabotage.

Also speaking at the conference, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, said that the Navy had been able to reduce robbery and piracy on the nation’s waterways.

”We are expanding the technical aspect of our surveillance to ensure that we curtail the menace.

”The Navy has also built a Sea Ward Defence Boat and it is in the process of inaugurating the second one.

”As to militancy, we are doing the very best we can to get them even before they venture out into the creeks,” the naval chief said.