Army Chief seeks ICT Ministry’s support on advancing security

The Nigerian Army is seeking collaboration with the Ministry of Communication’s Technology in the application of new technologies to tackle the activities of insurgents in the country.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who stated this on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, said the use of technology like the galaxy backbone, satellite and data communication would go a long way in addressing the security challenges in Nigeria,and enhance communication’s security.

TUkur said: “We are here to collaborate with the ministry in area of communication. We already have a communication platforms in the North-East and Niger Delta.

“With the availability of the galaxy backbone and sattelite, we need to deepening our collaborations in the fight against Boko Haram and other security challenges in the country.”

On restoration of vandalized communication outfits by insurgents, Buratai said the army was also working closely with telecommunication firms in the North-East towards reinstalling masts destroyed by Boko Haram, adding that the military was not overwhelmed by the recent activities of militants in the Niger Delta.

On the recent compulsory retirement of some senior military officers, Buratai said the exercise followed due process and in accordance with the laws governing the force,after which recommendations were made to higher authorities.

On his part, Minister of Communication, Shittu lauded Burutai for his leadership quality that has led to the success achieve advancing the war against the insurgents.

While expressing confidence that the use of the right technology can see a small army defeating a bigger one, Shittu assured on the readiness of the ministry in ensuring ensure that all destroyed masts in the North-East are fixed as the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) gradually return home.

“I know that a lot of infrastructures have been destroyed by the insurgents especially in the area of masts,” he added.

 

Harrison Edeh