The Federal Government is not indebted to the military in terms of salaries and other entitlements.

The Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Col. Usman Kukasheka, made the statement while addressing journalists in Gusau on Tuesday.

“None of our officers or men, especially those on special counter-terrorism and peace-keeping operations is omitted in the payment of salaries and all other entitlements.”

He also said that the Nigerian Army was financially and logistically prepared in its operations against insurgency, cattle rustling, kidnapping and the criminals.

“When one talks about logistics, anyone can testify to the fact that we have been able to crush all forms of terrorism particularly the Boko Haram in the North-East region, and we are battle-ready to contain any form of such threats in all parts of the country.

“We have been able to achieve this following the operational support given to us by the federal government especially in the last one year.”

He said soldiers were presently spread all over the North with a brigade in Zamfara and heavy air and land armour in an effort to rid the area of cattle rustling and other criminals hiding in the bush.

Kukasheka said the operation tagged ‘Exercise Hàrbin Kunama’ (scorpion sting) had, in the last three days, killed many of the criminals and arrested many others in the forest spanning through Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

On the issue of some of the rustlers relocating to other places including the neighbouring Niger republic, the Army Spokesman said the operation was aware of the development.

According to him, that is why the air support is on surveillance “and we get to the scene of any suspected movement within a short time.” (NAN)

Photo shows Gen. Buratai.