The Chief of Nigerian Army Staff, Lieutenant General. Tukur Yusuf Buratai has given a run-down of how his link, by way of a military training in the Bangladesh National Defence, helped him in organizing officers and men of the Nigerian army to defeat Boko Haram fighters, especially in the North East of the country.
General Buratai, who spoke today, Saturday in Lagos when he received the Bangladesh Army Chief of Staff, General Abu Shafiul Huq, said that the course he underwent in 2008 proved to be very useful in the counter insurgency operations in Nigeria.
He said that the lessons he learnt during the course have been partly responsible for the success being recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists, saying: “the Bangladesh experience in counter insurgency is something that I brought to bear in the efforts to rid Nigeria of Boko Haram since my appointment as the Chief of army staff.”
He advised military personnel across the world to take the issue of insurgency and terrorism seriously because they are difficult battle to overcome.
“Counter insurgency should be utmost importance to army across the world, the army in particular bears the brunt as they confront terrorists in very difficult terrain and indeed, sometimes within the population.
“It is a very, very difficult experience and it will continue to be difficult but it – insurgency can be countered through the use of intelligence. Counter insurgency is at best an intelligence operation.”
The Bangladesh military chief commended the Nigerian army for the success it had recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists.
He said both his country and Nigeria had a lot of experience and knowledge to share in counter insurgency operations, saying that his visit was to explore ways both countries could further strengthen their relationship. [myad]
