Nigerian Army is a professional Army – COAS Tukur Buratai reacts to CNN documentary on Lekki toll gate shooting

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has stated that they acted professionally and kept to the rules of engagement in handling of #ENDSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on October 20, 2020.

Speaking on the #EndSARS issue when he received members of the House of Representatives committee on Army at Army headquarters on Wednesday November 18, Buratai said; 

“Let me assure you and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army is a professional Army. We follow our rules of engagement. Nigerians should feel safe.

“We abide by rules of engagement and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.”

On the issue of kidnapping and banditry causing untold hardship on citizens along the Abuja – Kaduna road, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army Aviation is being reactivated. 

He said; 

 “The issues of kidnapping and bandits attacks are being taken care of. 

“In this regard, we have acquired two helicopters from the Transmission Company of Nigeria. We have added them to our platform and they will be rehabilitated and used for research.”

Buratai also said that there is need for a Special Intervention Fund from the government for procurement of more equipment, training and provision of accommodation and other infrastructure in military barracks.

He added; 

“Even though the budget has been made, there may be requirement for virement of funds because of shortage of funds needed for procurement of hardware especially to tackle the challenges in the North-East and North-West.”