The killings across the country are sponsored by some internal and external forces to cause disunity in the country.
This declaration was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai.
Buratai made the declaration in Maiduguri during a media briefing on the commencement of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Maiduguri.
His words: “So many forces are against Nigeria. The target is (to destroy) the corporate existence of Nigeria as a country.
“The blame game along ethnic and religious fault lines is not the solution. Nigerians must unite to solve this serious challenge.”
The Army boss, however, said the Nigerian Army would do its best to ensure the safety of lives and property in the country.
He called on Nigerians to join hands in the efforts to ensure peace.
He advised Nigerians to be tolerant of one another.
“We must be tolerant of one another and give peace a chance. Let us also remember that no nation can develop or be economically vibrant without peace….
“We assure all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army is for you and will continue to work for the common good of the country while professionally carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.”
He also spoke on the importance of the Nigerian Army Day celebration.
According to him, the occasion was in recognition of the contribution of the Nigerian Army in ensuring that peace was restored following the Nigerian Civil War which started on July 6, 1967.
“This celebration is also designed to array Nigerian Army personnel and equipment as well as showcase the combat capability of the Nigerian Army.
“Furthermore, the celebration affords us the opportunity to celebrate our evolution, achievements and also to showcase our transformational strides in the area of innovation, research and development, civil military relations and technological advances.
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“This is in addition to projecting the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development,” he said.
He said the Nigerian Army would be marking 155 years of its existence this year.
He said it was noteworthy that despite the security challenges that had bedevilled Nigeria, the Nigerian Army had made giant strides, especially in the last one year.
He added: “Our security architecture as a country is one with a very positive outlook.
“We have not only consolidated on the gains established in the fight against insurgency in the North East but have also progressed to the post stabilisation phase where all efforts are geared towards ensuring displaced persons return to their biological homes which are now safe. “That is why I directed that an operation codenamed ‘Operation Last Hold’ be conducted in the fringes of the Lake Chad waters and Northern Borno.”
The theme for this year’s celebration is: “The Nigerian Army and National Security: A Panacea for Nigeria’s Economic Development.”
