The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the troops in Gajigana, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State and warned that such incident should not repeat itself.
He also called on the public especially those residing in the affected area to support and cooperate with the troops by exposing suspected Boko Haram terrorists that live among them.
Buratai stated this during on assessment of troops location that was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Sunday.
The Chief of Army Staff was received and conducted round troops’ deployment by the Commander 5 Brigade and the Commanding Officer of 243 Battalion.
The Chief of Army Staff while fielding questions from journalists that accompanied him, stated that he was there to see things for himself, asses the situation and give necessary directives.
He stated that the recent wave of attacks by terrorists in Gulak and Gajigana should be seen as isolated cases that would not be allowed to repeat itself because adequate measures are being taken to deal decisively with any of such occurrences.
He also assured that the military and the security agencies would continue to improve their performances and warned troops to be more proactive and alive to their duties as everything is being done to support them.
“It should also be noted that the recent attacks had every element of criminality, as such the people need to fully support the security agencies to finally defeat terrorism and criminality in our society,” Buratai said, according to a statement by Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, acting Director Army Public Relations.
Buratai was accompanied by the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Acting Director Military Intelligence and the Acting Provost Marshal (Army).
Also on the entourage were representatives of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Police attached to the Military Command and Control Centre.
It will be recalled that Boko Haram attacked the troops location in Gulak on Sunday during which three Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while quite number escaped with gun shot wounds.
In addition, a Toyota Hilux, one PKM gun, 1 General Purpose Machine Gun, 3 AK-47 rifles, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade tube and one Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb were recovered by the troops.
Other recoveries include, one Charger, seven Boxes of 7.62mm Link, one GP 340 Hand Held Radio, four Boxes of 7.62mm X 54mm Ammunitions, three Anti Riot Hand Held Grenade, as well as 30 Cleaning Kits, two Packets of Artillery Primers and 97 pieces of Zela fuse.
The statement stressed that the troops are further pursuing the escaping terrorists and also exploiting to further block such kind of incursion through their blocking position.
Col. Usman said that the troops at Gajigana were attacked in which a soldier lost his life, but said that the location have also been reinforced and the troops are now poised for any eventuality.
“As we have entered the month of December, it is important to state that we have also entered a very critical part of the fight against terrorism and insurgency in our country.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its total commitment and determination to the war against the Boko Haram terrorists. Consequently, we solicit for the continued support, cooperation and understanding of all Nigerians in this regard,” the statement said.
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