By Gbenga Akingbule
Army at the weekend says it’s taking proactive measures to safeguard the public against Improvised Explosives Devices deployed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists to cause destruction.
Gatekeepers News reports that the need to create more awareness according to the Army on how the general public can best be protected against IEDs became necessary following the suicide bomb attacks in Gwoza Local Council where over 30 persons were killed.
The Ag. General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army / Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Brig. Gen AGL Haruna disclosed a One Day Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Awareness Seminar with stakeholders drawn from the Police, Civil Defense and civilians held at the Maimalari Cantonment, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to Gen. Haruna, the seminar aims to create awareness on counter IED to highlight safety tips in public places.
“It is important that the public know what IEDs are, how they are and how they can safely get it out of their sight by calling on agencies responsible for the recovery of the IEDs. We want the public to be able to identify an IED and protect others from getting across or into danger.
“If you recall what happened in Gwoza recently, the terrorists used the IEDs to cause the damage they did to lives and properties.
The GOC revealed that the Military has over time degraded the Boko Haram terrorists noting that the terrorist groups are desperate for publicity hence their suicide bomb attacks on soft targets.
He urged the public to report any suspicious object in any location within the state to the nearby security agencies or the traditional ruler.
One of the resource persons, Lieutenant KE Odinma revealed that the scope of the Seminar includes the meaning of IED, The IED Network, Materials used to produce IEDs, IED/Bomb Recognition, Suicide bombing, Actions to be taken on IED/Bomb Explosion and General Security Tips.
Meanwhile, the Army has presented 3 soldiers’ houses in Abuja, the nation’s capital for their exceptional bravery in the fight against insurgents.
The Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja represented by the Theatre Commander (TC) Maj.General Wahidi Shuaibu at dinner to appreciate the soldiers for their commitment to duty and professionalism.
“I am delighted to host you all here at the Army Officers’ Mess and Suites, to show my appreciation to you all for your efforts and commitments in all operations across the North East Theatre, especially during the just concluded dry season operations.
“Your steadfastness and bravery have earned OPHK more commendations from Army Headquarters (AHQ).
“Today also allows us to present the offer letters of the three beneficiaries of a bedroom flat each from the Affordable Housing Ownership Option for All (AHOOA) Soldiers Scheme as a means of encouraging all our soldiers to key into this laudable initiative by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
“The AHOOA Soldiers Scheme is a homegrown housing programme meant to ensure that soldiers can afford a befitting roof over their heads after a successful service to the nation. The Army Headquarters paid 58.54 percent, while the Theatre Command 41.46 percent,” Gen Shuaibu said.
