MAIDUGURI (Sundiata Post) – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Monday once again assured that the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies were working towards the end of Boko Haram terrorism and insurgency in the North East.
Buratai, who was however ambivalent about the December deadline to crush the terrorist group, insisted that progress was being made in the fight against insurgency in the country, especially at the epicentre of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
The Army boss, who gave the assurance while addressing officers and men of the 72 Airborne Brigade, Makurdi, Benue State, said the military would soon win the war despite some challenges.
He said: “I know the general security situation in the country has been challenging, especially what has been happening in the North East. Some of you must have been there and still yet some of others will soon be there.
“We have been given task to end this Boko Haram terrorism once and for all. Your colleagues in the theatre of operation are doing very well. We are making progress in the war against Boko Haram though we are facing logistics challenges. But suffice it to say here that we have done a lot and we are wining the war.”
On December deadline given by President Muhammadu Buhari for the military to end Boko Haram menace in the country, the Chief of Army Staff said “we have to wait till the end of December, as we are still within the deadline.”
Buratai reminded the officers and soldiers that the country is surrounded by French-speaking countries, warning that it would be shear stupidity and a great security risk to be ignorant of the language.
He further tasked them, “saying we cannot afford to be ignorant of what is happening in our Francophone neighbouring countries.
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“So the knowledge of French is important and we must try as much as possible to be apolitical. I must once again add that as military men, we must be apolitical and stay completely away from political activities. Remain responsive to your duties as military personnel in order to move the service forward”.
He also cautioned officers and men of the force against acts of indiscipline and insubordination, warning that the army would not hesitate to apply necessary sanctions on anyone found wanting.
“In terms of accommodation and equipment required in the North East we have continued to do a lot. The issue of kitting is receiving attention though you may not see it now but it will reach you at the required time. I therefore urge you to be professional in your conduct and responsive in your operations so that we will not be found wanting in our duty to the nation,” he said.
Stressing further on the issue of discipline in the force, Buratai said: “The issue of disciple is quite germain in the Nigerian Army. Troops across the world are known for discipline. Of recent we heard of an ugly incident here in Makurdi between civilians and military personnel.
“Espirit’d corps in the army does not mean that we mobilise to attack the civil populace. We are treating that and at the end of the day those found culpable will be punished accordingly.”
Buratai is on inspection visit of various military formations across the country, especially those under 82 Division, Nigerian Army.