The Nigerian Army High Command declared on Sunday night that following the relocation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai to the North East to personally coordinate offensive operations against the war on terror, troops have Neutralized 1, 015 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
Recall that the Army Chief who relocated to the North East on the 4th of April 2020, set up base at Super Camp, Ngamdu from where he had been traversing the various locations and trenches of troops and embarking in joint fighting patrols and clearance operations across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to boost troops confidence.
General Buratai himself confirmed the massive decimation of the terrorists at the Eid-El-Fitr luncheon organized for troops in the theater which had in attendance, Borno state governor, Prof Zulum and members of the state executive council as well as prominent citizens of the state.
The COAS said, “In the recent Operation Kantana JimlanI, over One thousand and fifteen (1015) Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists were Neutralized, and various efforts are on to ensure terrorists are substantially degraded and defeated in the near future”.
“Let me recall my earlier statement to some of you when I relocated to the Theatre on the 4th of May 2020 that I will not leave here until substantial progress has been made”.
“The fact that terrorists are substantially degraded or eliminated really justified my earlier assertion. You must therefore remain steadfast and highly committed to bring terrorism to an end very soon”.
While expressing his gratitude and indeed that of the Nigerian Army to the President, C-in-C President Muhammadu Buhari and the governors of Borno and Yobe States for their numerous supports, Buratai appreciated the troops, the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Airforce as well as personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, State Security Services, Nigeria Security and civil Defense Corps, Civilian Joint Task Force and Vigilantes for their courage and supports in the war against terrorism.
He directed troops to remain disciplined, committed and unwavering in order to end the terrorism soon even as he also enjoined the troops never to be weakened or distracted by negative publicity in their noble efforts to end the insurgency in Nigeria.
The luncheon with troops is in line with the policy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to ensuring absolute commitment to the welfare of officers and men of the Nigerian Army, especially those in the frontline/Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole.
“It is a mark of appreciation for their uncommon determination, hardwork, resilience, sacrifices and patriotism in prosecuting the war on Boko Haram/ISWAP’s terrorism in the North East Geo-political zone”.
In his remarks at the event, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum acknowledged the successes recorded in the war on terror since the relocation of the COAS.
He expressed his gratitude and appreciation and that of the good people of Borno State to the officers and men of the Nigerian military and other security agencies serving in the state for their immense contributions and sacrifices.
He assured the COAS and the troops of his continous support to all the security agencies in his capacity as the governor of the State and prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes who lost their lives in the struggle to protect lives and properties of the people of Borno State.
Highlight of the occasion was when Gen Buratai led the Special Guest of Honour to a serving point where the duo took time to serve sumptuous meals to the wounded in action but recuperating soldiers in appreciation of their remarkable efforts to defeat terrorism in the North East Nigeria.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the Chief of Training and Operations (Army) Maj Gen Enobong Udoh, Maj Gen SA Adebayo, Chief of Military Intelligence, Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, Theatre Commander OPLD, Maj Gen Farouk Yahaya, General Officers Commanding 3 and 7 Divisions Maj Gen Nuhu Angbazo and Brig Gen AK Ibrahim, some Sector Commanders and Commanding officers.
Also present were the Chief of Staff to the Governor Borno State Dr. Babagana Wakil, member house of representatives Alh Usman Zanna, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Barr. Kaka Shehu Lawan, Commissioner for Agriculture Engr Abubakar Talba, Commissioner for Science and Technology Dr Babagana Mustafa, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs Alh Sugun Mai Mele, and Commissioner for Information Baba Kura Abba Jato.