FG rules out hasty withdrawal of troops from troubled communities

President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured Nigerians that withdrawal of the military from areas where peace had been restored in the north east will not be done in a manner that will expose communities to more risks of attacks.

“You don’t need to worry. We will not expose our people and their communities to harm or danger,” the President assured in a statement.

“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 president said the withdraw exercise will be gradual and carefully planned, not abrupt or arbitrary to jeopardise the success already recorded by the military.

Reacting to concerns and appeals from governors and community leaders over the proposed withdrawal, President Buhari said the “administration will not abandon citizens in need of protection.”