Military Chiefs Order Troops to End Terrorism in N’East in 2022

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, weekend, charged troops to end terrorism in the North-east by next year.

The duo gave the charge at a joint Christmas luncheon for the 91 wounded troops at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

“I implore you all to remain steadfast in tackling the myriads of security challenges that bedeviled our fatherland,” the army chief said.

He said the troops should continue to work and actualise the mandate of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), which could restore peace in the North-east in 2022.

He said the Christmas celebration provided a unique memorable occasion to appreciate the sacrifices, loyalty and gallantry of troops in OPHK and other operations across the country.

“There are fallen heroes, who paid the supreme price in the defence of our beloved country,” he said.
While praying God to grant their souls eternal peace and comfort their families, he said President Muhammadu Buhari remained committed to enhancing the capacity of the troops through the provision of modern arms, vehicles and other fighting equipment.

Yahaya stated that this was to ensure that the ongoing war against insurgency was brought to a logical conclusion in no distant time.

The general assured the people that the massive delivery of heavy, fighting equipment in the theatre was a testimony to the president’s resolve to end Boko Haram insurgency and other insecurity threats to the nation.
In his remarks, the air force chief called for the synergy of the armed forces in order to contain the security challenges confronting the nation.

“There should be a synergy among the armed forces, where the air component of the operation could provide both aerial and surveillance support to end terrorism that has claimed many lives and property,” he said.

Two officers and four soldiers were given awards for their gallantry in the frontlines. The service chiefs also donated N10.5 million to 50 widows of fallen heroes.

The 91 wounded troops that participated at the joint Christmas luncheon were given N20,000 each by the army chief.