The Nigerian Army has said that it would turn a controversial forest in Kano State, known as Falgore, to training ground for soldiers.
The announcement came days after it was able to clear the place off recent clash between farmers and herdsmen.
It was reported that the army had taken over the forest during an operation to flush out terrorists, herdsmen and armed robbery in the state, the exercise which was tagged “Operation Scorpion Sting II (Harbin Kunama II).
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, said that it was the army plan to take over the forest due to controversy and that the soldiers operation within the Falgore had yielded positive results as well as at other parts of the country.
Disclosing the army decision during a visit to Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Buratai noted that kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling had been completely combatted and that the Nigerian army would use the forest as a training ground.
“I was in Kano to supervise the round-up a special military exercise tagged Operation Scorpion Sting II (Harbin Kunama II), aimed at flushing out terrorists and other criminals, from Falgore forest in Doguwa Local Government area of the state.
Nigerian Army would remain unshaken in its commitment to protect Nigerians from the activities of insurgents and other criminals, insurgents and other criminals have been seriously degraded and the army would not relent until it ensures peace and stability in all parts of the country,” he said.
Buratai said that the operation was launched in Southern Kaduna to address clashes between farmers and herdsmen, as well as ethno-religious crisis in the area, adding that similar operations were also put in place in Zamfara, Bauchi and the Niger Delta area.
He said the operation had so far yield positive results in Kano and in the other places, noting that, kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling are now a thing of the past in the Falgore forest axis of the state. Buratai however, disclosed that the Nigerian Army would now use the forest as a training ground.
He commended the state governor for providing accommodation and other supportive equipment, including 16 new Toyota Hilux vans, for the army who were in Kano to curtail farmer and herdsmen crisis.
Earlier, Ganduje attributed positive changes witnessed in military to support and leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it is evident that Boko Haram insurgency is coming to an end.
The governor also commended Nigerian soldiers for their patriotism and robustness, despite daunting challenges, urging them to keep the spirit alive.
“I must also commend your efforts in ensuring the fulfillment of this administration’s pledge to secure lives and property; because of your contributions, the situation has greatly improved.” he said.
