President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured Nigerians that getting the military out of areas where peace had been restored will not happen in a manner that will expose communities to more risks of attacks.
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, revealed this in a recent statement today.
According to him, Buhari gave the assurance as he reacted to concerns and appeals from governors and community leaders over the planned withdrawal of the military from the affected communities.
Buhari said every withdrawal will be gradual and cautiously planned, and it will not dampen the success the military has already recorded.
His words, “My administration will not abandon citizens in need of protection.”
“You don’t need to worry. We will not expose our people and their communities to harm or danger.
“The withdrawal is to allow the military focus on its primary duty of defending the nation against external aggression. It is the duty of the police to handle internal security since Nigeria is not at war.”
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will support the police to provide internal security. When it is time to withdraw, nothing will be rushed.”