President Muhammadu Buhari has urged troops of operation
Hadin Kai to remain steadfast as they go into the “final phase” of the fight
against insurgency.
According to a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential
spokesperson, Buhari said this on Thursday at the air force base in Maiduguri,
Borno state.
Suspected fighters of the Islamic State in West African
Province (ISWAP) launched multiple rocket attacks on Maiduguri ahead of
Buhari’s visit to the city to inaugurate projects done by the state government.
Addressing the troops, Buhari said the entire nation remains
grateful for the gallantry displayed in ensuring gradual return of peace to the
north-east, while condoling with families that have lost loved ones, as well as
the wounded.
The president said the government will continue to ensure
that the widows and children of fallen heroes are well catered for, to help
them fully realise their potentials.
“Your career is like no other because it is a conscious
commitment and preparedness to give your best for the sake of others,” Buhari
said.
“Let me start by commiserating with you all on the
unfortunate loss of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu and other personnel of 25
and 28 task force brigades, who died on Nov. 13, 2021.
“I do this mindful of
the fact that we have lost others in this theatre of operation as well as other
operational areas across the country.
“The people of Borno state and indeed the entire country owe
a debt of gratitude to our serving men in uniform for the huge sacrifices in
the pursuit of peace.
“I urge you also to stay focused to achieve our strategic
end-state which is the defeat of all adversaries and restoration of an
economically viable north-east geo-political zone and other parts of the
country where Nigerians are free to go about their activities without fear or
harassment.”
The president said the response exhibited across the theatre
has shown extraordinary resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity.
“Our country, just
like all the others in the Sahel region, is faced with several security
challenges that are largely characterised by the violent activities of
non-state actors.
“This has necessitated several interventions aimed at
ensuring the security of persons and property across the numerous hot spots.
“Further improvements in the security situation in Operation
Hadin Kai have led to a corresponding rise in the confidence of our people who
are now returning in significant numbers to their homes.
“Further to the reorganisations in the military leadership,
concerted efforts are being made to improve your equipment holding.”
While noting threats posed by criminals through the
employment of improvised explosive devices, Buhari said substantial resources
had also been directed at procuring equipment for explosive ordnance disposal.
According to him, similar attention is being given to
intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance assets.
“These measures and the platforms being received would
accord you the necessary reach, fire power and protection to project force
across the theatre and bring the fight to a logical and successful end,” he
said.
The president also said the manpower challenges which have
limited the rotation of some units from the theatre would be addressed by
concerted efforts to increase recruitment and ensure that the remaining units
due for rotation are relieved as soon as practicable.
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