The Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Muhammad Dan-Ali (rtd), has reminded soldiers fighting Boko Haram in the North Eastern part of Nigeria that their actions and inaction on the battle field would be accounted for at the end of the day.
“I want you all to note that your actions and inaction will be accounted for. You must therefore respect the rights of people in your host communities.”
Dan-Ali spoke today in Damaturu, Yobe State at a Christmas lunch organized for troops fighting insurgency in the North East.
The minister, who acknowledged some of the challenges facing the operations, assured the soldiers that government is committed to providing the needed logistics to expeditiously end insurgency in the country.
He advised the soldiers to remain committed to the war against insurgency, adding: “while your welfare needs is being addressed, I urge you to continue to adhere to all the rules of engagement in your operations.”
Also, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, commended the sacrifices of troops fighting on different fronts across the country, adding that their contributions in the defeat of terrorism would not be forgotten in a hurry.
Olonisakin, however, urged the troops not to relent in their efforts to effectively end the insurgency. We are gradually moving into 2016. Therefore, we must not rest on our oars to win the war.
“As we move into 2016, I want to enjoin you to be more determined to reclaim all lost territories.
“That is the charge and demand on all of you as we enter the New Year. On our part, we will do our best to ensure that all logistics and welfare required to prosecute the war to a logical conclusion are provided.”
Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, said the visit of Dan-Ali would boost the morale of troops in the ongoing operation.
Buratai noted that the situation in the troubled region has improved tremendously and attributed the feat to the sacrifices of the troops.
He said: “The security situation has greatly improved and I want to congratulate the troops for a job well done.
“We are entering the New Year and I believe that we will start winding down to conclude the operation.”
The Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Abubakar Aliyu, confirmed that the security situation has improved in the state, saying that unlike the previous festivities since the insurgency started, residents were able to celebrate the yuletide without fear of any attack from the insurgents. [myad]