2019 Poll: We Are Ready To Flush Out Political Thugs, Says Buratai

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

In a build up to the 2019 general elections, the Chief of Army Staff, Major. Gen. Tukur Buratai has assured that the military and other security agencies across the 36 states would ensure adequate security of lives and property in order to have peaceful and transparent elections.

Buratai gave the assurance on Thursday during the flag off of the Operation ‘Egwe Eke III’ at the theatre headquarters in Owo, Ondo State.

According to him, the exercise was aimed at checkmating the threat that may arise before, during and after the 2019 elections and the activities of kidnappers in the state.

The Chief of Army Staff also frowned at how politicians engage youths with arms and ammunition for the purpose of election, noted that the military was ready to flush out political thugs ahead of the election.

Buratai who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of Nigerian Army, Major. Gen. Okwudili Azinta, he added that troops would be deployed to flash points across the state, adding that the exercise would be carried out both on land and water.

His words: ” This exercise which will be on from today till February 24 to checkmate the activities of criminals before, during and after the coming elections.

“Our men will be everywhere in the state both on land and water to check the threat of criminals who might want to catch on the current security situation in the country and Ondo State to cause trouble.

“Let me also assure the people of the state that there will not be hidden place for kidnappers in the state.”

While speaking at the event, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, commended the Nigerian military for their efforts in ensuring peace in the state and country in general.

Akeredolu who revealed that no meaningful development could take place in a society devoid of peace, stressing that the state government would patner with all security agencies to ensure criminals are wiped out.

He however urged military and other security outfit to clampdown on political thugs ahead of th forthcoming elections.

Ends.