By OKOSUN DENNIS
It was a moment of expression of joy and happiness to have survived the pangs of onslaught from Boko Haram terrorists, you can imagine the reception back at home after coming out unhurt.
That was exactly how soldiers of 29 Battalion based in Port Harcourt were received into the warm embrace of their family members as they returned to their base after a stint in the northeast tackling the insurgents.
National Daily learnt that in consonance with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai’s determination of rotating overstayed troops operating in the northeast as part of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
Considering that since the war against Boko Haram started, hundreds of soldiers have been killed in multifarious attacks hence the need arose to have them rotated and returned to their main unit after an overstayed period at the theatre of war.
No doubt the mammoth crowd amidst cheers and jubilation from their families and colleagues that heralded their triumphant return to their families.
It was learnt that the troops have served in various units under Operation LAFIYA DOLE where they contributed immensely to the successful routing and technically defeating Boko Haram terrorists in the North East.
Welcoming the troops back to their base, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General EO Udoh, applauded the troops back to their unit after a successful tour of duty in the North East and applauded them for their selfless sacrifices to the nation.
He further enjoined them to pray for their colleagues who are still in the theatre for God’s protection and continued victory over the remnants of the enemies of our great nation, Boko Haram terrorists.
Major General Udoh, further reassured the troops on their welfare and that of their families. He also enjoined the troops to remain professional in discharging their duties with the love of their country at heart as they would soon be deployed for the Division’s routine operations after their disembarkation leave.
The rotation of overstayed soldiers in Operation LAFIYA DOLE is ongoing as more troops are being inducted while those that stayed long are de-inducted from the theatre of operations.
Reacting to their successful campaign against the vagaries of Boko Haram, some Nigerians expressed satisfaction with the level of success achieved against the terrorists.
According to Mohammed Ize Manman, said “We thank God for their safe return to their division and to meet their various families in good health, after serving their father land that is confronted with the challenges of insurgency that is alien to us.
“We are also praying for those of them who are still in the operation a successful end, and their safe return to their families.
For Bello Adamu, he said, “May the Almighty Allah give the Nigerian Army strength, courage and power to defeat the terrorist (Boko Haram) in our dear country. May He guide and protect our troops wherever they are.”
He concluded by saying, “More power to your elbows.”