The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; has said that the
launching of “Operation Fireball,” is the final onslaught against Boko
Haram insurgency.
The over a decade long insurgency, has claimed 32,000 lives with
property worth $9.2 billion (about N3.42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa
and Yobe states.
Announcing the new operation at weekend in Maiduguri; at concluded
Combined Conference of Chief of Army Staff; at Command Guest House, he
said: “we’re approaching a crucial phase in our counter-terrorism
operations in the Northeast with imminent begin of Operation
Fireball.”
He said the new operation, is to be extended to insurgents’ hideouts
of Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains and the Lake Chad region.
“My recent directive on the relocation of AHQ DATOPS and AHQ DOAL to
the Northeast Theatre; is geared towards ensuring that AHQ provides
maximum support to the operation,” he said.
Buratai added that he issued the COAS Special Order, specifically for
troops to switch over to a war mode.
“This is necessary for the final destruction of the criminal
insurgents,” he declared.
He therefore, charged courageous and exemplary leadership to be
displayed at all levels; as highlighted during the conference panel
discussion.
“No excuse will be tolerated in the accomplishment of Operation
Fireball objectives to end war,” he warned.
He charged field commanders not to rest on their oars, as there is the
need to maintain a positive disposition and attitude toward improving
on ongoing operations.
He said the conference had afforded the army to appraise various
operations across the nation.
