* Commends Nigeria Army’s efforts for peace, security
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
The Benin Monarch, HRM Oba Ewuare II has solicited more technical support for the operations of the Edo State Police Command, in the onslaught against crime and criminality.
The Monarch made the appeal on Tuesday, 24 August, 2021 when the Inspector-general of Police (IGP) Alkali Baba Usman paid him a courtesy call in his Palace.
He emphasised, that it was necessary, to increase delivery in their work.
“These days, with all kinds of high profile crimes, the Police also need high tech devices and equipment,” to be able to keep the pace, he stated.
Also, welfare of the operatives should be taken seriously as it is very important, the Monarch told the IGP.
This is as he commended the State Police boss, Philip Aliyu Ogbadu and his men “for the wonderful work they have been doing here.”
Earlier, the IGP while addressing the Monarch, promised that the Police under his leadership, would strive to ensure crime and criminality in Edo is brought to its barest minimum.
Usman who is not new to Benin having served as AIG, Zone 5, expressed appreciation to the Oba, for all the support the Police Authority enjoys from the throne in the discharge of their duty.
Also in the Palace of the Monarch on a courtesy visit, was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya.
He was on an operational visit to 2 Division Area of responsibility: Edo State.
The Army Chief had in his entourage top military brass; Director, Military Public Relations, Brig. General Onyenma Nwachukwu, Chief of Logistics, Army Headquarters, Major General, O.A. Akintade, Provost-marshal, Major General O.R. Ayeninor, Chief of Military Intelligence, Major General, D.I Saliu, and Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Brig. General S.A. Abdullahi amongst others.
Lt. General Yahaya addressing the Monarch, said he was in his Palace to seek royal blessings from him, as he assumes a new role in the Nigeria Military as COAS.
He expressed deep appreciation of the Benin Palace role in ensuring peace and security, and in bringing about peaceful co-existence in Edo State
He sued for sustenance of the effort, as it is very important
for the corporate existence of the Nigeria nation, he pointed out.
The Monarch appreciating the Army Chief and his entourage for the visit, prayed God and his ancestors to always keep them safe in their operations “even though we know that professionally, you are in contract to always be in harm’s way.
“We will always pray that you will be celebrated heroes all the time, you get back whenever you are on operation even in the Sambisa Forest, you get back to your family in one peace, and eventually, you retire in one peace.”
Noting the Nigeria Army have been doing wonderfully well for the country, the Monarch promised to keep working hard at keeping the peace in Edo, adding; “it is always work in progress, so it is for the Nigeria Army; it is always work in progress.”
Describing the Nigeria nation as very interesting, the Monarch urged the Army not to relent in effort to ensuring peace and tranquility in the country, and the West Africa Sub-region; assisting the Police and all other security agents.
“Though sometimes we see the peace becoming illusive, but the Nigeria Army has been on top of the matter, no agency, no organisation is perfect, not anywhere in the world; not even in the United States of America.”
He reassured; “as I always say, the Palace of the Oba of Benin is home to everybody; in uniform or outside uniform. Feel free to come anytime; we will always do our best to assist.”
Yahaya is a proud holder of the Nigeria Army medal, a grand service star, fellow of the National Defense College, field Command Medal of honour, General Service Medal of honour, and a holder of Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy, it was said.
He was appointed COAS 27 May, 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari. By his appointment, Yahaya becomes the 22nd COAS in Nigeria.
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