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In leaked letter, Army Chief, Buratai, explains why traveling soldiers in Taraba should not be in uniform

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OPI: Army makes clarifications, says any form of Identification is okay

Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has directed travelling military personnel to ditch their uniforms so as not to escalate conflict with police officers over the killing of four policemen in Taraba State on Tuesday, August 6.

It has been revealed that Buratai gave the directive in a leaked letter written on his behalf by Brigadier General F. Omoigui cautioning troops to be careful in their dealings with officers of the Nigeria Police Force in the wake of the clash between both security agencies.

Lt. Gen. Buratai in the letter dated Aug. 9th warned that soldiers need to tread carefully following the “inflammatory comments” by the Police.

He also advised soldiers who are travelling within the country to do so out of uniform so as to avoid an escalation with officers that might display “aggressive tendencies”.

The letter read, “In the aftermath of the unfortunate incident involving troops of 93 bn, Takum and members of the Intelligence Response Team of the NPF at Ibi LGA of Taraba State on August 6, 2019, inciting and inflammatory comments are being made by the NPF on the regular and social media platforms.

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“This is capable of inciting the rank and file of the NP to exhibit aggressive tendencies against NA personnel.

“Accordingly, all troops on IS (Internal Security) duty as well as personnel travelling in and out of uniform are to be circumspect in their conduct to avoid escalation.”

“Consequently, formations and unit commanders are to educate troops to be cautious in their dealings with members of the NP in view of this development.

“Troops travelling on pass are to endeavor to do so in mufti.”

Ripples Nigeria had reported how the Nigerian Police Force had raised an alarm on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 that three of its officers, and a civilian, were killed by soldiers along Ibi-Jalingo Road during a covert operation in Taraba State.

According to police spokesperson, Frank Mba, the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) had arrested and was transporting a suspected kidnapper, Hamisu Wadume, to the Command Headquarters in Jalingo when the attack happened.

Mba said that the kidnap suspect was also set free by the soldiers after the fatal firefight which lasted for several minutes.

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