The Chief of Army staff (COAS), Tukur Buratai, on Monday said the Nigerian Army was planning to establish a command secondary school with boarding facilities in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi.

Mr. Buratai, a Lt. Gen., who was on a working visit to the state, also told Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, in Birnin Kebbi that the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps (NAEC) would construct the bridge linking Shema and Bakoshi in Zuru Local Government Area.

He said the proposed Army command secondary school in the state would be the second to be established nationwide.

The COAS said the project was to ensure that the Nigerian Army sustain the cordial relationship with the Army friendly state governments and promote the educational development of youths in the area.

He assured the state government that the Nigerian Army would execute the projects professionally.

Mr. Buratai also commended the state government for reposing confidence in the Nigerian Army in its efforts at securing the territorial integrity of the nation.

He also lauded the state government for allowing the army to construct developmental projects there and ensuring a healthy relationship between the military and the civilian population.

The COAS commiserated with the state government over the death of an indigene, C.U. Umar, a Lt. Col., who was killed by the Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush while on duty in the North-East.

In his remarks, Gov. Atiku Bagudu commended the Chief of Army Staff for restoring peace to the country as well as improving the professional conduct of the Nigerian Army in the task of protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

He said the state would sustain the cordial relationship with the military, especially, in the areas of combating cattle rustling and kidnapping.

Mr. Bagudu used the occasion to call on security agencies to work together in curtailing the spate of attacks and incursions into the country’s territory by neighbouring countries.

“I acknowledge the friendly posture between the state and the Nigerian Army and assure the top echelon of the Army that the relationship will be sustained” he said. (NAN)