By Gbenga Akingbule.
Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday lauded troops of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai North East for the unprecedented recovery of weapons and critical equipment from Boko Haram terrorists within its area of operation.
Gatekeepers News reports that Lt. Gen Lagbaja also said the Army is winning battles against all internal and external elements across the country.
Lt. Gen Lagbaja stated this during the traditional annual luncheon with troops with special attention to wounded soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai held at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
According to COAS, the massive recovery is a clear indication that the Army is not leaving any stone unturned in its quest to halt the activities of Boko Haram terrorists and to fully bring the terrorists to their knees.
“I’m here to say thank you to our troops for their wonderful performance. They have displayed uncommon courage and faith in our dear country in the face of grave danger and, like the good soldiers that they are, come out of you victorious for our nation.
“I also thank them (troops) for the number of weapons and critical equipment recovered,” Lt. Gen Lagbaja said.
The Army Chief who was conducted round the recovered items, also commended the Theatre Command for refurbishing the recovered weapons and equipment noting that it will further assist In the fight against Boko Haram terrorists.
“To drive home the performance of the troops, most of these equipment were recovered in an unserviceable and very bad state. But the repair team of Nigeria Army electrical and mechanical have gone to work and have put (received items) back into serviceable state .
“Its heart warming that these equipment and the weapons recovered will add to holding formations and units in Operation Hadin Kai and enhance their operational performance.”
The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai North East Major General Wahidi Shaibu had commended COAS for his unwavering support to the Theatre which according to him is responsible for the many success recorded in the the last one year .
Maj Gen. Shaibu disclosed that “963 persons were rescued 5,630 surrendered to troops including Muhammed Usman controller media Ops Abu Ali Terrorist bomb experts and 282 persons neutralised January to date.”
The COAS had earlier commissioned two new road projects and the Headquarters 47 Engineering Brigade Office Complex at the Maimalari Cantonment.
