COAS ENJOINS TROOPS TO TRAIN TO ROUT OUT INSURGENTS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General TY Buratai, has again cautioned troops to be wary of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathizers’ recent antics in the employment of propaganda particularly the spread of fake news. He gave the charge at a dinner for the troops of Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion (AFSF Bn) and Army Headquarters Strike Group in Maiduguri on Saturday, 1st December 2018. Speaking further, he stressed that the troops should be mindful of what they see and read on the social media as most of the stories are either doctored or fake. Believing these stories he added, would demoralize their fighting spirit, thus undermining national security. The COAS further stated that, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies were now fighting terrorism as insurgency has long gone; Boko Haram terrorists he said, have no claim to any territory in Nigeria. He therefore implored them to put to good use the tactics acquired during their special forces training in order to flush out the remnants of the terrorists. He emphasised that, adequate attention will be given to In-theatre training and intelligence gathering and capabilities of personnel would be enhanced. Lieutenant General Buratai also urged them to maintain the peace in the country, support other security agencies and defend the democratic system as every commander is already aware of what is expected of them especially, in the upcoming general elections of 2019. In his vote of thanks on behalf of the officers and men of both units after the dinner, the Commanding Officer of the AFSF Bn, Navy Commander GB Osuobeni, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the visit and the kind gesture of hosting them to a dinner. He said that the event signifies the Chief of Army Staff's appreciation and support of their efforts in the fight against terrorism in the north east under the auspices of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. The Commanding Officer stated that the occasion would remain indelible in their minds and that the troops of both units were highly motivated by the visits, interaction and the dinner. He further thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the rare privilege and assured that they would continue to do their best to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the border areas and other areas of the north eastern part of Nigeria. He further said that they understand the task ahead of them and pledged their unalloyed support to defend the territorial integrity of the nation. In her remarks, Miss Global Synergy Nigeria (Africa), Queen Stessey Nuhu, of the University of Maiduguri who graced the occasion, lauded the troops efforts in fighting terrorism. She commended them for their sacrifices in restoring peace to the North East and entire country. She also solicited support to launch her pet project with theme "Homeless not Hopeless".

YOU HAVE ALL IT TAKES TO FLUSH OUT REMNANTS OF TERRORISTS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY Buratai has told troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in the north east that they have what it takes to flush out the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they are hibernating. The COAS gave the charge today Saturday 1st December 2018 while addressing Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion at their base in Borno State. He added that, they were deployed in the North East to fill in observed gaps and make a difference in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria. Addressing them further he stated that they have all it takes to do the job and they should work together as a team, stressing that, the Nigerian Armed Forces have done a great job in the North East in terms of degrading the Boko Haram terrorists. The attained success must be consolidated as they are adequately equipped, trained and with superior tactics than the terrorists. He implored them to dominate everywhere in the theatre and deny the terrorists freedom of action and movement. Later, the COAS had durbar alone with the troops in which they bared their minds where he provided answers. The Chief of Army Staff also paid similar visit to Army Headquarters Strike Group where he had one-on-one interaction with them. Later in the evening he had dinner with the troops. The visit to the troops by the Chief of Army Staff is coming at the end of the Chief of Army Staff's annual conference 2018 which took place in Maiduguri from 28-30th November 2018.