Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen, Benson Akinroluyo has tasked troops in the clearance operations of Baga; to sustain fighting spirit over Boko Haram insurgency in Northeast. According to him, troops’ fighting spirit be extended into the Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region’s terrorists hideouts. The charges were made on Sunday in a statement released in Maiduguri by Operation Lafiya Dole, Spokesman, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu. The Army reclaimed Baga town last Thursday, after neutralizing dozens of Boko Haram insurgents that occupied about a dozen communities in northern Borno. Other reclaimed military formations, include a Naval Base and the Multinationals Joint Task Force (MNJTF) headquarters, Baga. The charges, according to Nwachukwu; “Were made on January 12, 2018, during an operational visit to Baga town, where he conveyed the special commendation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai to the gallant troops. “The troops had in a recent clearance operation dislodged elements of Boko Haram terrorists from Baga, as well as other surrounding villages,” adding that several towns and villages were recaptured from the neutralised insurgents. Continuing, he added: “Addressing the troops, who were evidently in high spirit, General Akinroluyo accompanied by the Commander, Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Major General Moundhey Ali, told the troops that Buratai; was particularly pleased with their recent victory over insurgents and the operational successes in the general area of Baga and the adjoining villages.” Buratai’s letter reads: “My special commendation goes to all the gallant officers and soldiers, ratings, airmen and the Civilian JTF that fought tirelessly and supported in liberating all those areas infested by the criminal Boko Haram terrorists. “I would like to enjoin you to consolidate on these gains by continuous pursuit of these criminal terrorists and neutralise them to eternity.” “You should be more proactive and continue with clearance operations on any known Boko Haram terrorists hideouts in areas of responsibilities. “The Nigerian Army will continue to provide all the needed support to ensure that you succeed in this noble task. “I have directed for more replenishment and special welfare packages for you all which will be made known by your various Commanders. “I want you to invoke the spirit of courage and bravery that the Nigerian military is noted for. Victory is very near. Definitely, you are the ones that will make it nearer and sweeter. General Akinroluyo assured the troops that their welfare is paramount to the Chief of Army Staff, Buratai; stressing that their wellbeing is a topmost priority of the current leadership. He said that the wounded troops in the ongoing operations are currently receiving adequate treatment and are fast recuperating. The Theatre Commander and other members of the visiting team also inspected troops’ equipment at their various deployments in the theatre war.
