The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya has declared that many bandits and other criminals undermining national security “have been sent to God to go and answer for their crimes.”

Yahaya was speaking shortly after he was decorated with his new rank Lieutenant General, by President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja, Wednesday.

The army boss who was accompanied by the minister of defence Bashir Magashi, appreciated the president for the confidence reposed in him, pledging loyalty on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

He said the military will continue to do their best to arrest insecurity in the country particularly insurgency and other violent crimes.

Gen. Yayaha affirmed that successes were already being recorded, saying that the military would leverage on it and its experience.

Asked what message he had for the bandits and other criminals elements undermining national security, given President Buhari’s declaration that they would be treated in the language they understand, he said the military has already started doing the president's bidding adding that many of the criminals have been sent to God to go and answer for their crimes. 

Minister of defence, Major General Bashir Magashi retired, corroborated COAS position adding that plans were being made to end insecurity in the country.

Yahaya replaced former Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru who died recently in an air crash.