President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his regime’s commitment to addressing the deteriorating insecurity in Nigeria by using “full force” to fight bandits in the North, especially North-West and North-Central.

The president spoke at a gala night in Lafia organised in his honour by the Nasarawa government as part of activities marking his two-day official visit to the state.

“The insurgency in parts of the North-West and parts of the North-Central is being tackled with full force. We shall continue to cooperate with the affected states to confront the challenges head-on,” said Mr Buhari.

The president expressed delight with the warm reception accorded him by the Nasarawa people and for supporting the ideals of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

He commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for ensuring the sustenance of peace and harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in the state. The president also thanked the Nasarawa government for its commitment to providing infrastructure.

Mr Buhari added that the projects he inaugurated in the state would go a long way in uplifting the state’s economic status and reducing poverty.

In his remarks, Mr Sule expressed appreciation to the president for finding time to visit the state to inaugurate some projects.

The governor appealed to the president to consider the takeover of the Lafia airport as an alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

He also called for the conversion of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia to a teaching hospital for the Federal University of Lafia to enhance medical personnel training.

(NAN)