By Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai has declared the war over against Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Region and Northern Borno state, as troops stabilized areas that had serious security challenges to nation’s territorial integrity.
Buratai made the declaration at the weekend, while addressing troops of 8 Task Force Division of Nigerian Army, Monguno.
He said that the days of Boko Haram insurgents are numbered, despite the occasional attacks of Nigerian soft targets in the Northeast.
His words: “This Division has lived up to its expectation of containing the Boko Haram challenges in this part of the country. You are not the only ones operating here; we have the Nigerian Air Force, which has been giving us aerial support.
“The establishment of this Division was a major strategic one. It has helped in addressing the challenges of Boko Haram terrorists in the Northern part of Borno state.
“Troops of this Division have lived up to its expectations ofcontaining the Boko haram challenge in this part of the nation. We must remain here to stabilize it.
He noted that despite the attacks “here and there” by these same elements, Buratai assured that their days are numbered.
He said with troops’ efforts and determination, the officers and soldiers of Task Force; will finally overcome the Boko Haram challenge.
What will remain, he said, is for troops to continue stabilize operate and prevent any element that may raise their heads again in the future.
He said this part of the region; particularly the Lake Chad Region has always been volatile. That was why he said that the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) created the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
He urged the troops to perform similar duties, even after the final clearance of Boko Haram insurgents.
He assured that the Army is working hard to ensure that the operational environment becomes conducive.
He said with the defeat of Boko Haram in northern Borno, troops of 8 Task Force will also be relocated and deployed to Sokoto state in North-West for operations.
He urged them to prepare their minds for the deployment to the northwest region. He however noted that some of them will remain in Monguno to continue maintain security in Northern Borno.
On indiscipline of troops, Buratai said: “Indiscipline is also to be checked within the Division, as the people gradually return to their communities to farm, fish and do their businesses. They should be allowed to do them freely, without any interference.
He warned the troops against extortion and engagements in trading activities. “Trading activities, according to him, must be resisted.
We don’t want any distraction. Trading in fish or cattle; and if anyone is caught is going to be dealt with according to the law. You should not fall into that temptation.” he further warned.
He listed troops’ welfare programmes to include the Barracks Investment Initiatives (BIVI) and Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches.
