A letter emanating from an unidentified writer that has gone viral may have responsible for the quick release of funds for the payment of operational allowances and logistics for the Third Quarter 2017 from the Ministry of Defence to soldiers who are engaged in fighting with Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.
The anonymous letter detailed the untold financial and psychological difficulties which the soldiers have been going through in war front with the insurgents.
The soldiers complained in the letter that because of financial hardship, some of them had resorted to borrowing money from the civilians around their areas of operation to be able to survive, apart from the danger of death from the enemies bullets on daily basis.
However, less than 12 hours after the said letter went public, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai announced the release of the funds by the Defence Ministry.
The Army Chief, in a letter, said that the funds that have been released would take care of the payment of operational allowances for two months.
Copies of General Buratai letter were sent to various formations and corps Commanders, as well as Commanders of the various training institutions of the Nigerian Army yesterday, Sunday.
He assured the soldiers that all funds meant for them and, especially, those on Operation LAFIYA DOLE, will always be paid promptly when received from the appropriate Ministries.
He further assured that the Nigerian Army High Command under his leadership will continue to remain responsible, responsive and accountable to troops’ operational requirements.
In the letter, the Army chief praised the soldiers for the unflinching loyalty, perseverance, courage and dedication to duty which brought about the desired success in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other criminal activities.
He commended the troops for their bravery, discipline and loyalty, even as he reminded them to always have confidence and trust on the leadership of the Nigerian Army and indeed that of the nation.
General Buratai asked them to work hard to flush out the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they are hibernating including the cyber terrorists.
The Army Chief also paid glowing tribute to those troops stationed outside the shores of our great nation, assuring those on Operation LAFIYA DOLE that their welfare would remain a top priority for the government.[myad]
