Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, has advised army veterans to support and collaborate with local security outfits in fighting crime and criminality in their communities.

Ali, who is also the Commander of the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), made the appeal at the closing of the 2021 Second Quarter Veterans Affairs Seminar/Workshop on Thursday in Jos.

The GOC, represented by Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Adamu, the Training Officer of the Division, said that such strategy would make their impact felt in the nation’s security architecture.

He added that if veterans collaborate with the local security outfits in communities by way of intelligence gathering and training, the desired peace would be achieved in the nation.

“To the veterans, I want to quickly state that your much needed impact may not be felt in the national security architecture if you don’t play your important roles in your respective communities to quickly arrest all forms of crimes and vices that can lead to break down of law and order.

“In this wise, I enjoin you to continue to cooperate with the local security authorities in your communities to achieve the desired peace and security.

“Gentlemen, be arrest assured that those security agencies in your localities expect much from you, so, don’t fail them,” he advised.

Ali expressed optimism that the workshop had impacted and broadened the horizon of the veterans toward achieving national security.

He urged the participants to put into good use all knowledge gained from the seminar in supporting the Nigerian army to end all forms of insecurity in the country.

Speaking to newsmen on sidelines of the event, a participant, retired Maj.-Gen. John Adamu, described the workshop as “apt”, adding that he has learnt a lot of innovations that will enable him contribute in improving our national security.

Adamu, the former Commandant, Army Armour Corps and Centre, Bauchi, commended the Nigerian army for organising the workshop, saying it will go a long way to create the needed synergy between veterans and those in active service.

He also advised colleagues who have retired to support the local security authorities in their various communities toward improving the security of lives and property of Nigerians.