Insurgency: Buhari Explains How He Intends To Withdraw Military From Affected Areas

Nigerians have been reassured that the withdrawal of the military from areas where peace had been restored would be done in a cautious manner, so as to protect the communities for more risks of attacks.

The promise was made by President Muhammadu Buhari today in a statement by Garba Shehu, Buhari’s Media aide.

The President said the withdraw exercise will be gradual and carefully planned, not abrupt or arbitrary to jeopardize the success already recorded by the military.

This, the president said while reacting to concerns and appeals from governors and community leaders over the proposed withdrawal.

Buhari said the “administration will not abandon citizens in need of protection.”

President Buhari said where it was determined that the withdrawal will not in any way jeopardize peace already achieved, the military pull out will be in a careful and gradual way.

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

“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,’’ he added.