Killing of soldiers is unacceptable, says Buratai

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff,  has described as unacceptable, the killing of some soldiers in Bosso, Niger state.

The soldiers were killed by suspected gunrunners.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday after addressing personnel at the 332 artilery regiment in Shendam, Buratai said the incident would not deter the military from carrying out its lawful duties.

“What happened in Bosso is highly unfortunate,” he said, noting that the troops were on a mission to recover arms hidden in communities in the area when they were ambushed and killed.

“But instead of them, the gunrunners to be law-abiding, they took the law into their hands and attacked the troops.

“We have the mandate to bring the situation under control, we are working with the police to make sure that we keep our society free of criminality.”

In a statement released on Saturday, the army said eight of its soldiers and two air-persons were ambushed and killed in Bosso during raid on hideout of suspected gunrunners.

Sani Usman, spokesman of the army,  said the military killed eight of the suspected bandits and arrested 57 others.

On his visit to the regiment and other military formations in the state, Buratai said it was “routine” and to find out challenges of the troops in order to address them.

“If you are not on ground to see them and know what their challenges are, you will not be able to appreciate and address them,” he said.

The army chief announced the promotion of Dantani Ibrahim, a gunner in the regiment, for his bravery, dedication and hard work.

Buratai, who later addressed wives of soldiers at the regiment, promised to give their welfare a top priority, adding that children of soldiers who die in line of duty would be sponsored even up to university level.

He also said any of those children, who so desires to get enlisted into any of the military services, would be given priority.