.... Condoles, and give With Families of Falen Heroes
The Chief of Staff to the Borno State Government, Professor Isa Marte Hussain has extol the kind heartedness of the Nigerian Military in the Theatre of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) for their show of love, recognition and appreciation to members of the Hybrid Forces popularly known as Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) for their colloboration with the Military, contributions, efforts and sacrifices in the fight against insurgency in the North East.
Professor Marte gave the commendation on Saturday, 1 October, 2022 at a Dinner organised by Headquarters 7 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 1 OPHK in Maiduguri to honour these heroes of the land.
He said, this gesture has further endeared the Nigerian Army to the Government and people of Borno State especially, the families of the fallen heroes of the hybrid Forces.
He added that the occasion is symbolic and will spur the state government to also do same for members of the CJTF in recognition of their untireless efforts through the struggles to ensure they reclaim and defend their ancestral homes from the menace of the Boko Haram Terrorists and their counterparts.
He therefore, used the opportunity and assured the Nigerian Military of the state's government continuous support and collaboration in the fight against insurgency.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander (TC), Joint Task Force North East OPHK, Major General Christopher Musa said the CJTF have contributed greatly to the military's effort in the NE operation and their pivotal role deserves special recognition by the Nigerian Military, Government and people of Borno State as well as the nation at large.
While calling on members of the Force to continue to put in their best towards ending insurgency through intensified and improved intelligence gathering and information sharing. The TC also appreciates members of the press for their professionalism, cooperation and support in balanced reportage and publicising the activities of OPHK.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General Waidi Shaibu stated that, we have gathered here to recognize and appreciate the selfless sacrifices of our brave Hybrid Warriors, members of the CJTF for their effort and cooperation with the Nigerian Military in the fight against our arch-enemy the Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
General Shaibu also mentioned that, the Nigerian Armed Forces cannot forget the art of bravery and resilience displayed across the theatre over the years by these crop of youths who picked up arms in solidarity with the Nigerian Military and other security operatives to fight and defend their ancestral homes and the nation at large.
He, added that choosing to celebrate them today was deliberate as the nation also celebrates her Sixty Second Independence Day Anniversary.
In his words, "We are here to salute the heroism of these special breeds of Nigerians who knew the dangers and risk they face, who knew they may lose their lives, the bond of family, who knew their wives and children may be widows and fatherless, yet they happily signed up to defend their ancestral homes.
Today we honour those who have paid the supreme sacrifices while appreciating the continuous contributions of those still in living and fighting.
Certificates of commendation were presented to all the CJTF Sectors in Maiduguri, Bama, Dikwa, Gwoza and Chibok respectively. Similarly, special recognition of Certificates, plaques and other gift items were given to the families of some of the heroes who lost their lives within the Division's Area of Responsibility.
The climax of the occasion were reading of brief history of the Hybrid Forces, reading of citations and pictorial display of the fallen gallant heroes, presentation of Certificates to all CJTF Sectors under Command and other gift items to the Next of Kins of the deceased heroes, cultural dance display, dinner buffet and group photograph.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion were Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division, Formations and Unit Commanders, Commissioner of Police Borno State, Senior Officers, Heads and representatives of other Security agencies, Media Executives, distinguished invited guests, members of the Hybrid Forces and Next of Kins to the fallen heroes as well as members of the press.
Culled from SK Usman (Rtd) Facebook