The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; has charged field
commanders to sustain professionalism end insurgency other criminal
activities.
The over a decade long Boko Haram insurgency, has claimed 32,000 lives
with property worth $9.2 billion (about N3.42 trillion) in Borno,
Adamawa and Yobe states.
Buratai gave the task on Tuesday, while addressing troops at the Chief
of Army Staff Combined first, second and third quarters Conference at
Command Guest House, Maiduguri.
“In my strategic directives for the year, 2020, which is to sustain
professionalism and responsiveness of Nigerian Army in discharge of
constitutional roles,” he said.
He added: “I charge field commanders not to relent. You’re to sustain
the tempo of operations and ensure total decimation of all inimical
forces.”
He said he will continue to steer the Army towards the path of
professionalism in all aspects of calling to end insurgency.
He noted that this is permeating through ranks, as evident during the
recent conduct of “operation safe conduct” in Edo state.
According to him, the performance of officers and men of Army, during
elections was satisfactory and highly commended by society.
He therefore, congratulated the general officers and men of 2 Division
of Army for their professional conduct.
“This is the standard that must be upheld always,” he declared, adding
that he expects nothing less from the troops in the forthcoming
gubernatorial elections on October 10, 2020 in Ondo state.
He said the troops must continue to chart progressive paths towards
tackling the security challenges confronting the nation.
While announcing troops’ capabilities, he said: “We’ve recently took
delivery of key platforms to reinvigorate our counter-insurgency and
terrorism operations in northeast.
The platforms, according to him, include VT 4 and ST 1 tanks, the care
lighter vehicles; as well as SH2, SH5 self-propelled artillery guns.
He added that trainings are ongoing on the fighting equipment, before
inducting them into the theatre of Boko Haram war.
He continued; “The Army also received some Spartan Armoured Personnel
Carriers (SAPC) capabilities.
“Through our ingenuity; the Army facilitated the production and
delivery of pro-force Mine Resistant Armoured Personnel (MRAP)
carriers; as well as conqueror and champion barriers.”
He said despite these challenges of new innovations, these platforms
have enhanced the effectiveness of troops across the country.
On Army’s various operations, he said: “We’ll continue to work
assiduously to ensure that troops support all operations with the
acquired equipment and platforms.”
He said all field commanders must ensure the judicious employment of
these fighting assets to justify expended resource by government.
He said the fighting assets are to curtail activities of insurgents,
criminals, armed bandits, the farmers/herders clashes and other
violent crimes.
Buratai noted that the various operations have recorded successes,
particularly in Operation Lafiya Dole.
He also paid
While declaring the conference open, Governor Babagana Zulum said the
road to attainment of peace is by no means an easy task.
“It’s rough, bumpy and full of unexpected challenges,” he said,
stating that; “We’ve no choice, but to face them squarely.
He said the troops must not allow temporary setbacks, but to remain
steadfast in front lines of Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region.
He said this is a collective efforts to free the nation from the
dreaded terrorists.
He therefore, urged the Army to change the narratives of the war by
ending insurgency that has claimed many lives and property
