... Identify and Pursue Terrorists to Their Hideouts
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has ordered troops to decimate Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements for an automatic promotion to a higher rank in the military.
General Musa gave the order on Tuesday while addressing over 1,000 soldiers at the Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
SpyeTV News reports that General Musa who was accompanied by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla reassured that apart from the welfare of officers and soldiers, he said: “If you do well in the frontline, you will get an automatic promotion to a higher rank in the military.
He said, Besides capturing a terrorist for promotion, the welfare of troops is accorded priority, including rotational leave every two years to meet their families.”
“You are to pursue the terrorists and bandits to their hideouts in Sambisa Forest in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states,” he charged the soldiers, adding that the hideouts are also in the Lake Chad region and border areas.
On routing of terrorists and bandits, he said: “You are to identify and pursue the terrorists to their hideouts, instead of them coming to you for attacks,” noting that the army is committed and determined to defend the country and its citizens.
The CDS noted that it is the duty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), to protect people’s lives and property in the six geo-political zones, therefore warned Boko Haram and other terrorists hibernating in the North East to surrender or be eliminated using kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
“I want to also use this opportunity to reiterate our calls for remnants of terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals to surrender or risk being killed, as we are determined to restore peace in all nooks and crannies in the country,” Musa said.
The defence chief, therefore, warned the troops against indiscipline, selling of ammunition, drug abuse and connivance with terrorists in the frontlines of the northeast.
“If you see something, say something, do that together so that we will succeed in the war against insecurity. Fighting insecurity is not the responsibility of the military alone,” he said.
He said the Nigerian military under his leadership, with support from God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all stakeholders are ready to end terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the country very soon.
“With the briefs I received from the Theatre Commander, Major General Gold Chibusi and the General Officer Commanding 7 Div, Major General Peter Malla, I’m satisfied with successes recorded against remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.
“Notwithstanding, I want to urge troops not to relent, but to remain committed and resolute with high spirit until the war is over.
The Defence Chief therefore visited the wounded soldiers receiving treatment at the 7 Div Military Hospital, where he wished them a quick recovery.
The CDS was also at the Shehu of Borno’s palace, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi for an homage. He appreciated the roles played by the Traditional Ruler and his people towards complementing efforts of the military and government, which assisted tremendously in the relative peace currently witnessed in the region.
He also laid a courtesy call on Governor Zulum at the Government House, reassuring him and the people of the state of total peace.
He recalled and appreciated the tremendous support received from the Borno State Government and its people which led to thousands of Boko Haram members repenting when he was the Theatre Commander of OPHK.
Governor Zulum in his remarks described the CDS as a very committed, dedicated and God-fearing Officer, and pledged his administration’s continual support to the military and other para-military agencies to restore peace in the land.
He also urged them to intensify efforts to promote resilience amongst people who have willingly returned to their liberated communities.
