President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Nigerian army to intensify its efforts and work closely with other security agencies to develop new strategies to eradicate insurgency and address other current security.

Buhari gave the charge in Owerri when he declared open the 2016 Chief of Army Staff Conference, saying the new strategies should be major focus of the conference.

He emphasised that the conference would only worth the while if the deliberations that emanated from it “will enhance stability in all parts of the country currently witnessing insecurity’’.

Buhari spoke through Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, said the quest for security and development of the country had remained a serious national concern.

The president acknowledged the sacrifices so far made by “gallant officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this great country’’.

According to him, it is also pertinent to remember our men and women, who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence and security of our nation.

He commended security services, particularly the army in particular, for the professional manner in which they carried out their constitutional roles in the defence of the country’s democracy.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai said he had directed the enlistment of 150 doctors into the direct short service to address the shortage of personnel in the army’s medical corps.

Buratai said the army had commenced rehabilitation of its medical facilities across the country to meet world standard and improve welfare of personnel.

He said the Nigerian army 44 reference hospital, Kaduna would now serve as reference hospital for the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Africa.