‘We either succeed or live with Boko Haram atrocities’

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has declared that it is either the Nigerian Army succeeds in clearing the remnants of Boko Haram or the troops continue to contend perpetually with atrocities of the insurgents in the North East geo-political axis of the country.

Tukur, who made the declaration in Maiduguri yesterday in his goodwill message to troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE titled, “No more time to waste”, said the charge was a wake up call for an end to terrorism.

He went on: “This is a wakeup call to you and to emphasise that we must immediately begin to embark on the final aggressive action and comprehensive sweep of the operational theatre with a view to ending the operation on a very high note.

“No stone should be left unturned. I therefore called on all officers and soldiers to buckle up and ensure that the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists are completely cleared.

“I urge commanders to plan and embark on effective patrols, raids, ambushes and deliberate attacks in conjunction with other services, especially the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy to rescue all those abducted by the terrorists.”

He reminded the troops that captured and surrendered terrorists must be treated humanely in strict accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian laws of armed conflict.

“In doing so, we must be prepared to enter all fortresses, camps, dens and enclaves of the Boko Haram to completely flush them out and dominate these areas to ensure they are not re-occupied,” Buratai added.

He further remarked: “I hereby want to reassure all troops that I intend to return everybody back to barracks in 2017 only leaving behind a strong, highly mobile, effective and motivated force that will continue to do the good work that we have already started.
“In this regard, we shall also bring reassurance to the populace, as normalcy finally returns to the area.”