By: Gbenga Akingbule
The Nigeria Military Forces on Monday Reiterates its commitment to eliminating terrorists, bandits and kidnappers in all parts of the country, assuring that the morale of its troops has been boosted towards achieving the task.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Military also said its already taking the fight to terrorist hideouts in Sambisa forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and the Lake Chad stating that sanity will soon be restored in the affected areas
This was disclosed in Maiduguri the Borno State Capital by the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and his counterpart in the Airforce (CAS), Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao at a joint Eid-el – Fitr Sallah luncheon organized to encourage troops of the Operation Hadin Kai fighting Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East Region.
The Chief of Army Staff commended troops for the many victories achieved but said more is expected of them, changing them to deal ruthlessly with Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and bandits and kidnappers in other parts of the country.
COAS stated that the Army will continue to meet the needs of troops and provide them with the desired fighting equipment to eliminate all enemies of the state.
“I urge you all not to relent but to rather forge ahead with even more vigour, more determination, more commitment and aggressiveness in other to rid our dear country of these violent criminals. We should all be ruthless to the terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and all violent criminals.
“Let me reiterate, the Sallah gift I expect from all my field commanders this year is to eliminate as many terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other violent criminals as possible. Adding that they “recover as much of their weapons and ammunition.”
The Chief of Air Staff who also commended the gallantry of the troops said the luncheon is aimed among other reasons to appreciate the troops in counter-terrorism, counter- insurgency operations.
CAS noted that the Sallah visit is also aimed “at fostering camaraderie, reducing tension emanating from the operational environment and to reassure you of our commitment to continuously provide the required support to sustain Land, Maritime and Air operations.”
The Air Chief charged the troops to always maintain the highest level of vigilance in their fight against Boko Haram terrorists and assured that the Nigeria Airforce remain committed to providing the “Air component with the necessary equipment in support of the joint operation to ensure peace in the region.”
While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for his support in acquiring the Super Tucano A29 Aircraft, JF 17 and Unnamed Aerial Vehicle stating that the air platforms have assisted the Airforce immensely in the fight against insurgency.
“We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his Immense support to the Nigeria Airforce. It is necessary to note that other platforms expected include ISAp platforms- DA62, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Also, more helicopters such as Agusta 109 Tracker and A129 Mangusta helicopters are also being expected,” Air Marshal Amao said.
Meanwhile, ahead of the 2023 elections, the Military has vowed to remain apolitical before, during and after the elections noting that it will continue to maintain the highest level of professionalism.
“As we approach the season of heightened political activities and build-up to the general elections in 2023, we will remain apolitical, professional and committed to our constitutional duties,” the Chief of Army Staff said.
