Posted by Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd), Nigeria’s immediate past ambassador to the Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, has assured of a peaceful general election this year.
The former Chief of Army Staff assuaged fears of a breakdown in law and order in the country during and after the February 25 general elections, saying that security forces are on top of the situation to ensure a smooth voting process in the country.
Buratai reinforced his confidence of calm and successful elections in all parts of the country during an interactive discussion with BBC Hausa Service.
“[On] the issue of security in Nigeria, particularly during the election period, I am quite aware that the security agencies will ensure that elections take place throughout the country, and we have assurances, particularly from the Police, DSS, and the Army, where the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya has previously spoken to assure Nigerians about the army’s readiness to provide security,” he said.
He claimed that most terrorist threats and IPOB actions in the South East are hollow, and that they are only intended to instill fear in the state and its citizens.
The previous Chief of Army Staff indicated that security agencies would ensure maximum security for the electorate’s safety so that they may vote peacefully in Northern Nigeria.
In relation to ISWAP and Boko Haram, he stated that following studies into the level of insecurity in Nigeria, the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) demonstrates that security in Nigeria has greatly improved.
Attacks and deaths, he claimed, have decreased by roughly 48% in northern Nigeria, removing Nigeria from the list of nations with the worst security issues and terrorism, indicating an improvement in the country’s security condition.
He stated that the goals of ISWAP and Boko Haram, which he considers to be the same organization, have been vanquished and that the country is no longer in danger.