The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Maiduguri

  • Buratai condoles Air Force over crash

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai has visited his counterpart, the Air Chief, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar to console him over the crash of a Air Force Helicopter on Thursday.

    The crashed helicopter claimed the lives of all the five crew members on board.

    It crashed in combat at Damasak, Borno State while providing support for ground troops who were engaging the Boko Haram terrorists in a fierce battle.

    The Nigerian Army spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Usman, said in a statement that the Army Chief described the crash as a sad situation, but added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would remain a family.

    According to General Usman, Buratai also said the victims remain heroes whose sacrifices would never be in vain nor be forgotten by the country.

    Buratai also condoled with the families of the fallen heroes and gallant officers, saying they are patriot who died in active service for the security of the country.

    The statement reads “Today, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY Buratai, today paid condolence visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal SB Abubakar, at the Headquarters of Air Task Force Command of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri, Borno State.

    “The condolence visit was as a result the unfortunate crash of Nigerian Air Force Mi-35M Helicopter while providing close air support to troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, around Damasak, northern Borno State, Wednesday, 2nd January 2018.

    “During the condolence visit, the COAS said he was there to on behalf of Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army, commiserate with the families, Officers, Airmen and Airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force and indeed all Nigerians, over the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the pilots, a technician and the gunners.

    Read Also: Buratai visits troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE

    “He prayed God to grant their souls eternal rest, adding that the gallant heroes’ death would not be in vain as they died on active service for the security of our country, to safe guard the lives of the citizen and serve humanity in general.

    ” He added that military officers are one family, as they train together in various training institutions, operate and live together as professionals and therefore, as family, the Nigerian Army felt the pain of the sad incident.

    “He further stated that military job is associated with high risks, but as professionals, we accept such divine destiny in good faith.

    “He then called on the Director Miliyary Intelligence, Major General SA Adebayo and the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Brigadier General Bulama Biu to lead in the prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed heroes.

    “Speaking earlier, the CAS thanked the COAS for coming to share their pains and grief over the sad incident.

    “He further assured that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to support and work with the Nigerian Army.

    “He commended the determined efforts of other gallant pilots despite the bereavement.

    “He also assured that despite the high risk associated with the military profession, they would continue to give their best to ensure the success of the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

    “Present at the occasion apart from both Service Chiefs, were Principal Staff Officers at both Services Headquarters and field commanders and pilots at Operation LAFIYA DOLE. “

  • That Maiduguri protest on electricity supply

    IR: In what appeared like a drama, residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital recently protested against a 24-hour supply of electricity to their communities. To them, the constant supply has increased the amount they pay for electricity and has led to ridiculous and ‘outrageous billings’. They called for a reversal to the 12-hour electricity supply they had previously enjoyed.

    It is for this reason–the need to end exploitative electricity billings – that the House of Representatives is seeking to criminalise estimated billing system by electricity Distribution Companies (Discos). No doubt, a lot of complaints against estimated billing have been raised by electricity consumers across the country with the result that virtually all the electricity consumers are faced with outrageous bills for electricity that they did not consume in the first place. The culture of arbitrary charge and estimated billing, which amounts to corrupt practice had been condoned and tolerated for too long in our public life and should no longer be allowed.

    Many citizens are frustrated that despite the sale of the assets to private entities, electricity supply in the country continues to be erratic, going from ridiculous to almost non-existent level. It is unfortunate that many years after the privatisation programme, the power sector is still mired in debilitating challenges, ranging from poor liquidity, inefficient distribution line and weak transmission line, among others.

    A main actor in the electricity production, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), is said to be hampered by factors such as high non-technical losses and low infrastructure coverage of the country with less than 40 per cent of the nation actually covered by the existing transmission infrastructure. TCN has, at many instances, suffered stranded generation such that the improvement of its operational performance and efficiency remains fundamental to the attainment of stable and reliable power. Furthermore, the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) gas debt is pending on the Discos while the cost-reflective tariff is still a big problem. On their own part, the Discos have promised to deliver over 1.8 million pre-paid meters to consumers, ensure an improvement in service delivery, extend the distribution network and scale down power interruptions, but none of these promises had been achieved after several years.

    It is sad to note that smaller African countries like Ghana enjoy better electricity supply than Nigeria.  As a way forward, there is the need to deal with the situation within the framework of the proposed law by the National Assembly and liberalise the production of meters such that different companies would be empowered to get involved in the production of meters. There should be no room for the people to return to the old exploitative way of procuring meters. It is hoped that the people would be able to get value for their money and not be exploited all in the name of providing uninterrupted power supply. Policies that are hindering effective private participation should be set aside while genuine investors should be encouraged to come in. The government should show the necessary political-will to make things work, just like in other countries that can take regular supply of electricity for granted.

     

    • AdewaleKupoluyi, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

  • Maiduguri residents decry outrageous electricity billings

    Some electricity consumers in Maiduguri have decried the outrageous electricity billings by the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC)

    Some of the residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, described the development as worrisome, adding that it was not in the interest of the masses, because it has hindered economic activities and social life of the people.

    They also alleged that YEDC jacked up their electricity bills by over 100 per cent for commercial and residential areas sequel to appreciable improvement in power supply in the area.

    Mr Esther Chukwuma, one of the consumers, described the new billing adopted by the power distribution companies as frustrating and lamentable.

    “My bill indicated that I used 605 units in November and they charged N14, 000 as against N6, 500 for September where I used the same units.

    “They are charging me for what I did not consume because during the day, I spend most of my time in my shop. I only use the electricity at night at home.

    “I have a prepaid metre in the shop and I don’t spend more than N2, 000 in a whole month.

    “So how come I am not staying at home and i am being asked to pay N14, 000.

    “I am here in their office, demanding an explanation,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mrs Fatima Musa, a widow, said: “I was given a bill of N15, 000 monthly instead of the N5,000 I used to get monthly.

    “I strongly disagree with this outrageous charges given without any explanation”.

    She said that electricity consumers were at the receiving end especially those without prepaid metres, noting that the billing process was “opaque and lacks transparency”.

    Ibrahim Suleiman, another consumer at who lives in Bolori, appealed to the YEDC to go back to the former status quo where electricity was supplied for 12 hours and not 24 hours.

    Suleiman described the stable power supply as a “wastage” because many consumers cannot use electricity during working hours.

    “I work from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. So I do not need any electricity until I get home. But in this case whether you consume power or not, you will be billed to pay for it. I think this is not fair, “he said.

    Malam Abdullahi Bako, who lives in Gwange, said how can YEDC be bringing between N9, 000 and N15, 000 to a room apartment in a month.

    “We are being forced to pay for electricity we never consumed; this is extortion, we demand for transparency in the billing methodology,” Bako said.

    Responding, Alhaji Usman Wakta, the YEDC Maiduguri Business Manager, said the company does not bill its customers arbitrarily.

    Read Also: ASUU continues reconciliation meeting with FG

    “These complaints may be as a result of the commissioning of the 330kV transmission line which now supplies electricity 24 hours.

    He said that before the commissioning of the new line, the stations relied on the 132KV controlled from Biu, which can only supply for a period of ten to twelve hours per day.

    “On the average, we now supply electricity in the town for a minimum of 22 hours in a day which simply implies that the consumption of energy by residents in the state have multiplied or even tripled itself.

    “We took a simple study from our prepaid metres users and we found out that the people that usually came to buy unit of N2000 or N3000 in a month now have to spend N15, 000 or N20, 000 because of their energy usage.

    “One thing we notice about the consumers is that they waste energy. People have this habit of leaving their lights on even in the afternoon.

    “Go to some super markets or filling stations, you will see more than 200 bulbs on in the afternoon. So the more you load you use the more energy you consume.

    On the allegation of exorbitant billing of consumers without meter, Wakta said : ”We go to people’s home to do load assessment based on the gadgets they have in the house and bill them accordingly. “

  • Boko Haram: I fry grasshoppers to feed my family

    After fleeing Boko Haram attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State, Mrs Elizabeth Innocent returned to the state capital but since her husband failed to secure a job, she resorted to frying and selling grasshoppers to feed her family. FAITH YAHAYA reports

    A 25-year-old Elizabeth Innocent never imagined that she would become the breadwinner of her family when her husband’s family went to ask for her hand in marriage. As seen in most movies and the environment she grew up, she thought that all she needed to do to be a good wife and mother was to stay back at home, cook, wash dishes, and take care of her kids which is the role the society has ascribed to females while the husband goes out to work.

    She married a loving man from Maiduguri, Borno State, a state in the Northeastern part of Nigeria. All the states in Nigeria have a slogan and Borno is known as the ‘home of peace’. Being from a state identified as the food basket of the nation (Benue), she thought life as a married woman would be rosy but the once ‘home of peace’ has turned to home of fear, death, uncertainty, terrorism and loss due to the attacks by the terrorist group; Boko Haram.

    The once peaceful state has become a state dreaded by most people. The mention of Borno is now synonymous with bomb blast. The attacks by the insurgents have led to the death and displacement of the young and old, male and female, rich and poor, Christians and Muslims are not also left out of the attack. Ellizabeth’s friends and neighbours were not also spared during the attack. Some died while others fled the state for safety and just like many, Elizabeth also fled Maiduguri for Abuja.

    She realised in Abuja that the standard of living was too high for her. She had no place to stay with her kids, her sibling and her husband.

    Falling back on a popular Yoruba adage in mind “Ti iwa ju o ba se lo, eyin se pade si” meaning if it is difficult to move forward, you can take a step back, she returned to Maiduguri.

    By this time, the attack had toughened her and she had resolved to either die or stay alive. On her return to Maiduguri with her husband and kids, her husband who used to work in an electronic shop lost his job because the shop was burnt during one of the attacks. Her husband made efforts to get another job but was unsuccessful.

    Elizabeth said, “He tried to get a job but he could not after the attack. It looks as if the number of those unemployed in Maiduguri presently is higher than the available jobs”.

    After several failed efforts by her husband, Elizabeth had to toughen up and assume the role of the breadwinner of her family. Her new role dropped on her without prior notice, no thanks to Boko Haram attack. She said she had to stop depending on her husband and switched roles with him by taking care of her three kids who are seven, four and two years of age, one sister and her husband because of the attacks by the insurgents.

    She said: “Boko Haram attacks really interfered with our lives. My role as a partner who supports her husband suddenly changed and I suddenly became the breadwinner”.

    To sustain the family, Elizabeth said she decided to be serious with the Fara business she started out of boredom in 2009. Fara or para (grasshopper) is seen by farmers as a pest but others see it as food and a good source of protein. Elizabeth who does not have a shop stays by the road side on the busy Damboa Road with one table where she displays the fried para, her firewood, different sizes of measuring bowls, trays, frying pan, tripod stone where the pan sits for her to fry the para. Fara which is likened to prawns is peculiar to the people in the north and most especially those in Maiduguri. It is usually eaten as snack. Elizabeth resumes work around 4pm and closes by 10pm while the town and its residents plan to go to bed.  Fara is loved by the young and old. A woman who appeared in her late 60s was seen amidst the children who were stretching their hands with naira notes from N20 to N50 to buy and have a taste of fara. Grasshoppers or Fara are medium to large insects. Adult length is 1 to 7 cm, depending on the species. They have chewing mouthparts, two pairs of wings, one narrow and tough, and the other wide and flexible, and long hind legs for jumping. They are often considered to be more harmful than helpful when it comes to their interaction with vegetation and crops. As herbivores, grasshoppers contribute to the environment. Their feces return nutrients to the earth, acting as fertilizer for the local vegetation.

    Also, as they are a favorite food item for birds, rodents and other creatures, they help other populations survive. In various parts of the world, grasshoppers are eaten either as a delicacy or consumed as simply another source of protein, minerals and lower in cholesterol than beef or pork.

    On its flipside, the widespread infestation of grasshoppers poses serious risk to water supplies as they invade streams, ponds and wells. The bugs drown and contaminate the water quickly. Grasshoppers landing on train tracks can create a slick, dangerous situation for trains coming down the rails. The trains become significantly delayed in reaching their destinations due to the slower speed that is required to safely traverse the slippery rails through widespread grasshopper invasions.

    Narrating her daily activities and how she became the breadwinner to our Reporter who went to buy and have a taste of the much talked about Fara, Elizabeth said: “I started this business since 2009 because I observed the love people have for it and I also discovered that there is profit in it

    but I didn’t take it serious then. I get the fara (Grasshopper) from the Kanuri people who catch it in the bush. I go to low-cost market in Shagari to buy it. After buying it, I bring it home, remove the feathers,  per-boil with salt, seasoning, lime orange to wash off the sour taste and after that, I dry outside for a while and then I pack it and start frying. This process takes only one day and I buy one or two bags daily. When I started in 2009, the bag was sold at the rate of 1500 but today, the bag is now N18,000. What I gain from the business is not much but because I don’t have any other source of income, I decided to stick to it.

    On what caused the hike in the price, she said: “The price is because of the problem of Boko Haram that is happening in the bush. The places where they usually catch the grasshoppers have been burnt by Boko Haram and so the numbers of grasshoppers our suppliers catch is reduced because they feed on leaves and because the bushes are burnt, I guess they relocated to other part.”

    On how she is able to sustain the family, Elizabeth said: “I have three children and I take care of them with the proceeds of this business. I am from Benue state but marriage brought me to Borno and it has made it my home even when I am not comfortable with it. My husband’s support me doing this business. My children are 7, 4 and 2. During the peak of the crisis, I thought of returning to my village or just leaving Maiduguri and we even travelled to Abuja at some point but we were stranded in Abuja because the cost of living in Abuja is very high, so I had to return to Maiduguri to continue my fara business. My husband used to work at an electronics shop but during the hit of the attack, we ran to Abuja for safety and when

    relative peace returned to the town, we returned but he could not get the job back.

    “The shop was burnt and he is currently jobless though he is seriously making effort to get something doing but it has not been easy. My wish right now is for him to get a job because the little I make from my fara business is what is sustaining the family. The big bowl is sold at N2000 but before the crisis, it was around N500 to 800. I buy like two bags daily and I sell almost everything. The gain I get from it is not much again because of the Boko Haram insurgency and also because even from the little gain we make, I still have to remove money for transportation, firewood, oil, seasoning, salt, pepper. I don’t have enough money to make the fara business grow beyond this”, she lamented.

     

  • Soldier dies as troops kill four terrorists in Borno

    The Army said one soldier was killed on Sunday when troops neutralised four Boko Haram terrorists, who came to attack Maibukarti village on Maiduguri-Damboa road.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the Director of Army Public Relations confirmed this in a statement on Monday.

    Read Also: Gunmen terrorise motorists, others in Ondo

    Usman said weapons recovered from the terrorists include four AK-47 rifles, 45 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 5 AK-47 rifle magazines. Also recovered were two motorcycles and one bicycle.

    Other items recovered were one bandolier, one cell phone, three SIM cards, an earpiece, some phone accessories, kolanuts, gloves and drugs.

  • Police foils suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri

    The Police in Borno said its men had successfully foiled a lone suicide bomb attack on Wednesday night in Maiduguri.

    The Police Commissioner, Mr Damian Chukwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria  on telephone that the incident occurred at about 8:30 pm in the outskirts of Maiduguri.

    Chukwu disclosed that a teenage female bomber attempted to infiltrate a security check point, before security men fired shot at her and the Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) vest strapped to her body exploded.

    Read Also: Police arrest 51 suspected IPOB members

    He said the explosion blew the girl into pieces, noting that there were no other casualties in the attack.

    The commissioner added that men of the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) were deployed and sanitise the area.

  • Metele Attack: 23 soldiers killed, Boko Haram uses drones-Buratai

    *Says 39 soldiers killed overall in recent weeks

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has given an account of military losses in recent weeks to Boko Haram terrorists and at the same time made a chilling revelation that the insurgents have gone hi-tech in fighting Nigerian soldiers.

    He revealed that the Boko Haram insurgents now use drones and mercenaries to attack troops’ formations in the northeast.

    A statement signed by Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, on behalf of Buratai and issued on Thursday said the trend poses threats which require review of military operations against the insurgents.

    “Since 2015; the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved.

    “However, in the last two to three months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations”.

    Buratai disclosed that 39 soldiers were killed and 43 others wounded in multiple attacks coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents on various military locations in the past few weeks.

    He disclosed that insurgents attacked Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto, Gajiram and Metele military locations between Nov. 2 and 18, adding that they were successfully repelled by the gallant troops and several insurgents killed.

    “In recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Specifically; the Nigerian Army troops deployed at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram came under attack at different times within a two-week period between November 2 and 17, 2018. Each of these incidents was successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists killed.

    Read Also:Buhari orders troops to wipe out Boko Haram

    “However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.

    “As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions; 157 Task Force Battalion, deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on November 18, 2018.

    “During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel wounded and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State,” Buratai said.

    Buratai sympathised with the MNJTF, adding that necessary support would be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse the resurgence of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Buratai also sympathised with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending the nation, stressing that the sacrifice fallen heroes will not be in vain.

    Buratai gave an assurance that the army will support the bereaved families and continue to care for the wounded soldiers, who he wished speedy recovery.

    According to him, the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference earlier scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, was moved to Maiduguri, to enable the military leadership get closer to the troops on the ground, appraise its activities, assess performances and identify shortcomings.

    Buratai reiterated the commitments of the Nigerian Army to ensure peaceful conduct of 2019 elections as well as collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in the country.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his support and visit to the troops in the northeast.

    The army chief also commended Gov. Kashim Shettima, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and Nigerians for their goodwill and support to the military at this trying moment.

    ”We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles”.

  • Buhari orders military to end Boko Haram threat, returns from Maiduguri

    President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja from Maiduguri, Borno State, where he  ordered the military to eliminate all threats of Boko Haram, declaring that the war against terrorism is “a must win’’.

    Buhari gave the order while declaring open the 2018 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.

    President Buhari 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.’’

    He assured the military that his administration would continue to address their needs in terms of manpower development and equipment supply, promising that their welfare and entitlements will also be improved.

    “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,’’ he added.

    The President commended the efforts and sacrifices of the military in safeguarding the peace, security and territorial integrity of the country.

    According to him, the officers and men who are fighting against the curse of terrorism in the North East deserve all the attention the country’s leadership can give them.

    “As President of the country, I am determined to ensure that every citizen feels safe and secure in all parts of the country. To achieve this, the security agencies must rise to the challenge and curb threats to security in our country,’’ he added.

    President Buhari called on the armed forces to embrace “the wind of change that is blowing across the country,” urging more cooperation at inter-service and inter-agency levels.

    “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.’’

    The President, who also addressed officers and men of the Nigerian Army at the Maimalari Barrack, headquarters of Operation Lafiya-Dole, said he shared in the agony of loss of gallant soldiers.

    “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,’’ the President said.

    He also commended Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding democracy and urged them to remain committed to their profession.

    He said: “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.’’

    President Buhari urged the soldiers, who were on parade, to always show disciplined conduct.

    According to the president, no matter how equipped the military is, the military is of no use if it doesn’t have discipline.

    He, therefore, urged them to uphold the tenets of the constitution and ensure tight security to protect lives and property.

    In his statement at the conference, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai said internal security had greatly improved from what it was in 2015 when President Buhari assumed office.

    Buratai said a new proactive strategy would be put in place to counter the recent military losses.

    He said the army remains neutral and non-partisan and 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.

    President Buhari asked for a minute’s silence in memory of the gallant soldiers and before his departure, he went round the wards to visit wounded soldiers in the hospital within the army barracks.

    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 said his administration would do everything to secure the country.

    He commiserated with all Nigerians who 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.

    President Buhari also expressed his determination to change the unemployment situation of youths in the country.

    He pointed out that “Jobs for the young persons, especially those who are 30 and below in Borno State and across the federation continue to engage our attention. We go to bed with it and wake up with it.”

    In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno, who spoke on behalf of the State’s Council of Chiefs, thanked the President for bringing peace to the state, and asked for intensive security patrols across the territories to save people from attacks on farms.(NAN)

  • Buhari to military: End Boko Haram threats now

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State, ordered the military to eliminate all threats of Boko Haram.

    According to him, the war against terrorism is “a must win’’.

    He made the remark while declaring open the 2018 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President 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,’’

    He assured the military that his administration will continue to address their needs in terms of manpower development and equipment supply.

    The President  promised that their welfare and entitlements will also be improved.

    “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,’’ he added.

    He commended the efforts and sacrifices of the military in safeguarding the peace, security and territorial integrity of the country.

    He said “The officers and men who are fighting against the curse of terrorism in the North East deserve all the attention our country’s leadership can give them.

    “As President of the country, I am determined to ensure that every citizen feels safe and secure in all parts of the country. To achieve this, the security agencies must rise to the challenge and curb threats to security in our country.’’

    President Buhari called on the armed forces to embrace “the wind of change that is blowing across the country,” urging more cooperation at inter-service and inter-agency levels.

    “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,” he said.

    President Buhari, who also addressed officers and men of the Nigerian Army at the Maimalari Barrack, headquarters of Operation Lafiya-Dole, said he shared in the agony of loss of gallant soldiers.

    “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,’’ the President said.

    Read Also: Buhari cancels private visit to Daura

    President Buhari also commended Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding democracy and urged them to remain committed to their profession.

    “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 said.

    He urged the soldiers, who were on parade, to always show disciplined conduct.

    “No matter how equipped the military is, the military is of no use if it doesn’t have discipline,” he said, urging them to uphold the tenets of the constitution and ensure tight security to protect lives and property.’’

    In his statement at the conference, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai said internal security had greatly improved from what it was in 2015 when President Buhari assumed office.

    Lt. Gen. Buratai said a new proactive strategy would be put in place to counter the recent military losses.

    He said the army remains neutral and non-partisan and will carry out their 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.

    President Buhari asked for a minute’s silence in memory of the gallant soldiers and before his departure, he went round the wards to visit wounded soldiers in the hospital within the army barracks.

    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 said his administration will do everything to secure the country, commiserating with all Nigerians who 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.

    President Buhari also expressed his determination to change the unemployment situation of youths in the country, pointing out that “Jobs for the young persons, especially those who are 30 and below in Borno State and across the federation continue to engage our attention. We go to bed with it and wake up with it.”

    In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno, who spoke on behalf of the State’s Council of Chiefs, thanked the President for bringing peace to the state, and asked for intensive security patrols across the territories to save people from attacks on farms.

  • Buhari reiterates commitment toward improved welfare for Army

    President Muhammadu Burhari on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army to enable them discharge their constitutional mandate of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

    Buhari gave the assurance while addressing troops at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

    He said the troops were always on his mind, adding that he had always woken up thinking about them and the conditions they operated.

    “I will support you to play your constitutional role of defending the integrity of the country from both internal and external forces.
    “This is the oath you have taken just as I took an oath as the President and Commander-In-Chief.

    “I assure you that I go to bed and always wake up thinking about you and the conditions under which you operate.

    “Please, maintain your loyalty and defend the country. Whatever happens, a military no matter how equip or how well led, without discipline is no use to the country,’’ he said.

    Read ALso: PHOTOS: Buhari arrives Maiduguri for COAS conference

    While commending the troops over their gallantry and sacrifices, Buhari urged them to increase their commitment in engaging the outlaw Boko Haram insurgents, without further delay.

    He said plans were on to adopt a new enhanced salary structure for the military in recognition of their contributions to security, social and economic development of the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the president also visit injured troops on admission at the Military Medical Centre. Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri.

    Buhari had earlier inaugurated the 2018 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conference and paid courtesy visit on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi.