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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has ordered the immediate restoration of peace in the North East.
Addressing the troops fighting insurgency on the warfronts during his operational visits of their locations in Sambisa Forest, Borno State, the military chief said the move was to boost the combatants’ morale and professionalism with a review to returning normalcy urgently to the troubled zone.
During his presentation at the Super Camp 1 Molai, Buratai said: “Today’s interactions with you in frontlines of Forest are to appreciate your fighting spirit and professionalism to end the decade-long theatre of war.”
He charged the soldiers to invigorate the fighting spirit and hasten the defeat of terrorists in their hideouts.
At the Special Forces Super Camp 12 in Chabbol community of Maiduguri, the COAS appreciated the troops for their commitment, dedication and sacrifices to the nation.
“President Muhammadu Buhari is always with you in the ongoing fighting spirit to end this war for peace,” he added.
Buratai therefore directed the officers to train, prepare adequately and brace up for the final ‘onslaught and eventual defeat’ of Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
“Your additional operational needs would be provided in a couple of days,” he pledged, adding that the army had taken delivery of more fighting equipment procured by the Federal Government.
The military chief continued: “Gentlemen, I am aware you have conducted many successful operations and you have also suffered setbacks especially in recent times. But ensure that they are not repeated.
“You should prepare adequately for the next phase of the counter-insurgency operation in our beloved country.
“Other issues expected of you will be communicated to you by your respective commanders soon.”
Other military posts visited are Tamsu Ngamdu in Mafa council area of the state as well as the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Alau Dam, east of Maiduguri metropolis.
The Buratai patrol also went through Maigilari Forest in Tamsu Ngamdua located southwest of the same council.
The areas, according to him, are the terrorists’ main routes leading to Maiduguri where they attack the outskirts of the metropolis.
He equally inspected military stores, hardware and other assets, including artillery, anti-aircraft guns, multi-barrel launchers and armoured personnel carriers, at the super camps.
Meanwhile, the new commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major-General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, in his first media briefing yesterday in Jos, Plateau State, said his command would not be briefing journalists periodically on their kinetic operations.
He said there had been a change of strategy from the Defence Headquarters, adding that it is only Major-General D.J. Enenche of the DHQ that was competent to speak on all operations across the federation.
And so, you might not see us briefing you (journalists) on all our kinetic activities,” he stated.
His predecessor, Major-General Augustine Agundu, had earlier admitted the challenging nature of internal security operations “primarily because troops are confronting small groups of miscreants who are also living among law-abiding citizens.”
He added that the process of isolating the criminals often results in collateral damage save for the cooperation and collaboration of the public.
