A group has urged Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai to extend the Operation Cat Race or ‘Ayem Akpatuma’ by 60 days to enable the military do an effective job of tackling security concerns in parts of the country.

The group, the Coalition on Conflict Resolution and Human Rights in Nigeria and Its Affiliates, at a Media Conference in Abuja Monday recommended that the Army Chief seeks the approval of President Buhari to expand the rules of engagement handed the troops to enable them complete their assignment.

It says an extension will enable a greater participation of the communities in tackling the security concerns.

The Operation Cat Race, a military exercise launched in February to tackle major security issues at the main flashpoints, covers Benue, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

Reports by Godfrey Obemeata