Home NEWS Buhari Gives Soldiers Marching Order: Eliminate Boko Haram Now

Buhari Gives Soldiers Marching Order: Eliminate Boko Haram Now

President Buhari in Maiduguri Borno State to declare Open Chief of Army Staff Conference, Address Troops and Visits Wounded Soldiers on 28th Nov 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari has commanded the military to eliminate all threats of Boko Haram within the shortest time.

The President insisted: “it is a must win war. I want to encourage our troops not to be distracted by speculations but remain focused and committed to the task of eliminating Boko Haram from the surface of the earth.

President Buhari, who declared open the 2018 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Maiduguri, Borno state capital today, Wednesday, gave assurance to the military that his administration will continue to address their needs in terms of manpower development and equipment supply, as well as their welfare and entitlements.

“I want to reassure you that as your Commander-In-Chief, I will do everything within my power to continue empowering you by providing all the necessary equipment, force multipliers and enablers required for you to prevail on the field.

“I also want you to be aware that I am currently looking into measures to improve your entitlements and welfare generally.”

The President commended the efforts and sacrifices of the military in safeguarding the peace, security and territorial integrity of the country.

“The officers and men who are fighting against the curse of terrorism in the North East deserve all the attention our country’s leadership can give them.

“As President of the country, I am determined to ensure that every citizen feels safe and secure in all parts of the country. To achieve this, the security agencies must rise to the challenge and curb threats to security in our country.’’

President Buhari called on the armed forces to embrace “the wind of change that is blowing across the country,” urging more cooperation at inter-service and inter-agency levels.

“To this end, the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs must work closely together as well as with other security agencies to improve on strategies that will defeat terrorism, militancy and other forms of criminal activities in our country.”

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President Buhari, who also addressed officers and men of the Nigerian Army at the Maimalari Barrack, headquarters of Operation Lafiya-Dole, said that he shared in the agony of loss of gallant soldiers.

“I have come to pay homage to the gallant soldiers lost by the nation and to console the injured ones in recent terrorist attacks. I urge you to remain focused and win the war.”

President Buhari also commended Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding democracy and urged them to remain committed to their profession.

“As we approach the 2019 General Elections, I want to urge all members of the Armed Forces to live up to their responsibilities and remain non-partisan. In addition, you must all remain vigilant throughout the electioneering period and alongside other security agencies, prevent every form of violence that could disrupt the process in line with your Rules of Engagement.”

President Buhari urged the soldiers, who were on parade, to always show disciplined conduct.

“No matter how equipped the military is, the military is of no use if it doesn’t have discipline,” he said, urging them to uphold the tenets of the constitution and ensure tight security to protect lives and property.”

In his statement at the conference, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai said that internal security had greatly improved from what it was in 2015 when President Buhari assumed office.

Buratai said that a new proactive strategy would be put in place to counter the recent military losses, adding that the army remains neutral and non-partisan and will carry out their constitutional duty of safeguarding the nation’s democracy.

The Minister of Defence, retired Brigadier General  Mansur Dan Ali, assured the President that the military is putting in place new strategies to stabilize the country.

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