Embark on final aggressive action against Boko Haram – Gen Buratai

By OKOSUN DENNIS

The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt Gen Tukur Buratai has called on troops of the Nigerian Army to immediately embark on the final aggressive action and comprehensive sweep of the operational theatre with a view to ending the operation against insurgents on a very high note.

While commending the troops on their sacrifices, commitment and loyalty as the Yuletide approaches, called on officers and soldiers to buckle up to ensure that remnants of Boko Haram are completely cleared.

In a message to the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole titled: “No More Time to Waste,” Gen Buratai stated that “this call to action and wake up call to you all was to ensure no stone was left unturned.”

The COAS who promised to be with them in the front in the northeast and motivate them, urged all commanders to plan and embark on effective patrols, raids, ambushes and deliberate attacks in conjunction with other Services especially the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy to rescue all those abducted by the terrorists.

He reminded the troops that captured and surrendered Boko Haram terrorists should be treated humanely and fairly and in accordance with the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and Laws of Armed Conflict.

National Daily, however, gathered that Gen Buratai enjoined the troops to be prepared to enter all fortresses, camps, dens and enclaves of the Boko Haram to completely flush them out and dominate the areas to ensure they are not reoccupied.

The army chief reiterated that December is a month of decision. It is either we succeed in clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists or we continue to live in perpetual circle of their atrocities in the North East.

He emphasised that “I want to reassure all troops that I intend to return everybody back to Barracks in 2017 only leaving behind a strong, highly mobile, effective and motivated force that would continue to do the good work that we have already started,” he emphasised.