President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the war against terrorism is “a must win,’’ ordering the military to eliminate all threats of Boko Haram.
Buhari, who spoke while declaring open the 2018 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Maiduguri, on Wednesday, said: “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.’’
Assuring the military that his administration would continue to address their needs in terms of manpower development and equipment supply, he further said: “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 insisting that as President of the country, he was determined to ensure that every citizen felt safe and secure in all parts of the country.
He urged the security agencies to rise to the challenge and curb threats to security in the country. He also advocated for more cooperation at inter-service and inter-agency levels, stressing: “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.’’
In his speech at the conference, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai noted that internal security had greatly improved from what it was in 2015 when President Buhari assumed office disclosing that a new proactive strategy would be put in place to counter the recent military losses.
He assured the army remained neutral and non-partisan promising it would carry out its constitutional duty of safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
The Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Mansur Dan Ali (rtd) assured the President that the military was putting in place new strategies to stabilize the country.
Addressing officers and men of the Nigerian Army at the Maimalari Barrack, headquarters of Operation Lafiya-Dole, the President paid tribute to the dead soldiers.
He said: “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.’’
He commended Nigerian Army for their commitment to promoting democracy and urged them to stay away from partisan politics.
“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.’’
He urged them to uphold the tenets of the constitution and ensure tight security to protect lives and property.
President Buhari asked for a minute’s silence in memory of the gallant soldiers and before his departure, went round the wards to visit wounded soldiers in the hospital within the army barracks.
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He gave assurances that the soldiers would be taken care of.
At the Palace of Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, President Buhari reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing the country and commiserated with all Nigerians who have lost loved ones following recent setbacks in the fight against terrorists.
“We have to remind ourselves where we were and where we are now and what happened in between. The people of Borno State know what we did in the last three years. The situation would have been worse,” he said.
