Army Chief, Lagbaja, condemns previous Amnesty for terrorists, says it enables them regroup

 

By Joseph Ibrahim

The new Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, has condemned previous amnesty for terrorists, saying it enables the criminals to regroup.

Recall that the government of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, pardoned more than 1,000 Boko Haram terrorists in a programme coordinated by the military.

Former Governor of Zamfara State, Sani Yerima, has solicited for another round of amnesty for bandits who have been raiding and plundering communities in the North West and Norh Central.

But Lagbaja, while receiving the incumbent governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, condemned the amnesty programme, saying it ends up helping the terrorists to regroup and launch fresh attacks.

He appealed to the governors of the Northern region to give his troops freehand to eliminate the terrorists.

The Chief of Army Staff warned the criminals to flee the country with immediate effect.

According to him, the Military would not allow them to enter other parts of the country.

“Your Excellency, I think we need to look at this amnesty programme. The criminal elements have proven to be incorrigible. So, the issue of amnesty has created avenue for them to regroup and re-organise and launch attacks,” Mr Lagbaja said.