Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, has described the killing of some soldiers and airmen on lawful duty in Bosso, Niger State, by suspected gun runners as unacceptable.

Speaking with newsmen, shortly after addressing personnel at the 332 Artilery Regiment in Shendam, Buratai, however, said the incident would not deter the military from carrying out its lawful duties.

The army in a statement had said eight of its soldiers and two airmen were ambushed and killed in Bosso during raid on hideout of suspected gun runners.

Spokesman of the army, Col. Sani Usman, however, said the military killed eight of the suspected bandits and arrest 57 others.

On his visit to the regiment and other military formations in the state, Buratai said it was “routine’’ and to find out challenges of the troops in order to address them.

“If you are not on ground to see them and know what their challenges are, you will not be able to appreciate and address them,’’ he said.

The chief of army staff announced the promotion of a Gunner in the regiment, Dantani Ibrahim, to Lace Corporal, for his bravery, dedication and hard work.

Buratai, who later addressed wives of soldiers at the regiment, promised to give their welfare a top priority, adding that children of soldiers, who died in line of duty would be sponsored even up to university level.

He also said any of those children, who so desire to get enlisted into any of the military services would be given priority.

Also, Stand Up for Nigeria (SUN) has condemned increased attacks on military personnel by armed groups, urging Nigerians to rise in unison in condemning the attacks on the Army in the strongest terms possible.

The group in a statement by its Country Director, Patriot Sunday Attah, said the attacks were deliberate attempts to not only test the strength of our security personnel but also ostensibly as a means of testing the waters for a more sinister objective.