The Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has said that Kaduna State has become safer and more peaceful since Governor Uba Sani assumed office.

He attributed the feat to the inclusive governance of the Uba Sani administration.

Mr Oluyede gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy call on the governor at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Friday, ahead of the Nigerian Army Day celebration, which commences on Sunday.

The army chief thanked the governor for allowing Kaduna State to host this year’s event, noting that the Nigerian Army will clock 162 years on Sunday.

“Since you came on board, Kaduna State has been more peaceful. And there is no other reason besides the fact that you run an inclusive government. Before now, places like the stretch from Kaduna to Birnin Gwari, down to Tegina, were no-go areas. The same thing—we had issues with the Kaduna-Abuja motorway. But it is in the past now,” he added.

While commending Mr Sani for making Kaduna safer and better, Mr Oluyede appreciated him, “for the support that you have been giving to the Army, through the 1st Mechanised Division, since you came into office.”

The Chief of Army Staff pledged that the army will reciprocate by complementing the efforts of the state government.

In his response, Mr Sani commended, “the Nigerian Army for remaining an instrument of national unity, integration, and development. You have continued to make huge sacrifices to keep our country safe from criminal elements. Nigerians owe you a debt of gratitude.’’

“I will also not fail to acknowledge and appreciate the commendable way in which the Army, and indeed the entire Armed Forces, has subordinated itself to civil democratic authority. This is crucial for a healthy democracy and a stable society,” he added.

The governor also thanked the Nigerian Army for helping to stabilise the security situation in Kaduna State, commending “the effective coordination and synergy among security forces in our state and across the country.’’.

He pledged that, “Kaduna State Government will continue to give logistical support to the Nigerian Army to enhance its operational effectiveness and efficiency. We shall continue to explore new areas of collaboration and partnership in furtherance of our commitment to the safety and security of our people.’’