Despite Threats, DHQ Insists Boko Haram will Soon be History

Obot takes over command at 26 Task Force Brigade
Paul Obi in Abuja
Notwithstanding the recent threat by Boko Haram terrorists, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday insisted that the sect will soon br history.

The Chief Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olanisakin, stated this when he received the staff and members of the United Kingdom Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) led by Major General Lawrence Craig paid a visit on him at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

The CDS explained that “terrorism and insurgency are global security challenges and the Defence Headquarters has recorded significant victory over the Boko Haram terrorists who hitherto halted socio economic activities in the North-east.”
Olanisakin added that “with the reinvigorated armed forces of Nigeria and the collaboration of the Multinational Joint Task Force, the Boko Haram terrorists menace would soon be over.”

The CDS who was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Saidu, expressed appreciation to the UK for extending their training programme to some of Nigerian officers in their prestigious Royal Defence Academy.

Speaking, the team leader, General Lawrence stated that the visit was part of the Royal Defence College geo-strategic tour to acquaint the members with the emerging global phenomenon in African perspective.
He stressed that “the visit was part of the Royal Defence College Geo-Strategic Study Tour to understudy the Nigerian military winning strategy in combating Boko Haram Terrorism in the North East and militancy in the Niger Delta region.”

He applauded the CDS and the Nigerian armed forces for their tremendous contributions to nation building and observed that in spite of the myriad of security challenges, the Nigerian military has been able to give a good account of itself as a leading military force in Africa and the sub-region.

Members of the delegation were briefed on the operational activities of the DHQ which includes: Lafiya Dole, Delta Safe, Awatse, Safe Haven, and International Peace Support Operations.

Meanwhile, a new Brigade Commander, Brigadier -General Ifiok Obot, has formally taken over command of 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza Borno State.
Brigadier General Obot took over from his predecessor, Brigadier General Adeyinka Laguda, who was posted to the Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja as Chief of Staff.

According to the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, “the new Brigade Commander was presented with the Brigades’ flag by his predecessor after signing the handing and taking over notes during the ceremony at the Brigade Headquarters in Gwoza.
“General Obot hails from Abak Local Government in Akwa Ibom State and is an alumni of the prestigious National Defence College in Abuja.
“Until his recent appointment, he served at Army Headquaters Garrison, Abuja as Chief of Staff,” Usman stated.