The Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, Lt. General Yusufu Tukur Buratai has canvassed for ideological battles as well as finding appropriate counter-narratives against violent extremist sects towards eradicating their negative activities in the country.

The COAS stated this in Sokoto on Tuesday while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Chaplain (Roman Catholic) combined Annual Training Week/Conference and Retreat held in the state.

The Army Chief said the insurgents’ belief in their ideologies remain the driving force thereby making ideological battle in some ways very necessary and timely.

Buratai who was represented by Director, Civil-Military Affairs, Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Timothy Olowomeye noted that the country and rest of the world today, is grappling with the harsh reality of restiveness mostly sounded with religious, economic and political undertones.

According to him: “These tendencies have caused disorder and wanton destruction of lives and property to many innocent citizens who have continued to look unto the government for solace.

“The government, under the watch of President Mohammadu Buhari, has continued to offer succour and renewing the hope of her citizens through the relentless efforts of our Armed Forces and other security agencies.”