The Chief of Defense Staff, Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor has said that all insecurity issues within Operation Lafiya Dole must come to an end. The over a decade long Boko Haram insurgency has claimed 36,000 lives with property worth $9.2 billion (about N3.42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Irabor made the declarations on Saturday, while addressing 106 troops at the Military Command and Control Centre, Maiduguri, the state capital. He said that the restoration of peace in the region is a working progress, as the security situation is not as bad as before. Other Service Chiefs that accompanied Irabor on the operational visit, include the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Auwal Gambo His words: “Gentlemen, we’ve come here accompanied by the Security Chiefs and other principal service officers from Defense and Service Headquarters; the second time in about two months. “We’re to see you and how far you’ve undertaken the instruction that were passed to on the ongoing counter-insurgency and terrorism operations.” He said that the Theatre Commander along with his officers have been giving a thorough brief on counter-insurgency operations in Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region. He noted that the briefs are beyond the reports that the Service Chiefs received at the headquarters. While commending the troops, he said:
“I can only commend you for the resilience that you’ve shown in the last one month. “The various successes you have recorded; despite the few drawbacks that did not deter you; but remain committed and resilient.” He said that their sustained resilience and commitments in the theatre of war are worthy of commendations. Continuing, he added: “So, by extension you tell the rest of your colleagues that are not here. “It’s essential for you to know at this stage. Well done.” He said the President is abreast of all issues regarding troops’ operational engagement. Irabor told the troops that the President Muhammadu Buhari follows development in the theatre and across others in the country.
