President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the military for the progress in the clearance operations in northern Borno.
This was his Sallah message to the 119 Task Force and Armed Forces Special Forces Battalions at Kangarwa, Borno State.
The President, in the message conveyed by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, acknowledged the impact of the operations, noting that Nigerians were proud of them and “grateful for their sacrifice”.
He said Nigerians were behind them and praying for the successful completion of their task.
President Buhari reiterated his administration’s commitment to logistics and other needs required to finally clear remnants of the insurgents.
In his address, Buratai praised their effort and urged them to sustain the tempo as they advance towards other border communities.
“The President is proud of you; he is satisfied with your progress and conveys his greetings. Since you advanced from Baga, you have made progress and I must commend you for it.
“I am aware of your challenges and we will address them accordingly. You must continue with the good job as the remnants must be flushed out as soon as possible,” he said.
The COAS also hinted that more men and equipment would be sent to the unit as they advance to other hideouts.
He expressed satisfaction with their conduct since the “Operation Gaman Aiki”, started.
“I am here to further raise the troops’ morale. We will ensure that they remain motivated.
“This area extends to the border toward Niger and Chad; this is also where these insurgents sneak into the country whenever they are pushed in Niger, Chad or even in Nigeria.
“We are on the final push to ensure that we defeat them; they are the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents that we have been talking about,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Lt.-Col. Muhammadu Ali, conducted Buratai and the Commander of Operation, Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, round the unit’s defensive positions.
NAN also reports that the Army chief distributed food and drinks to the troops in the spirit of Eid-el-Fitr.