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The Nigerian Army has said that it has discovered that Boko
Haram terrorists have started using drones and foreign fighters.
The Army in a statement by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman
on Wednesday said ‘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. Isreali Aerolight The Army also expressed gratitude to
the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal
Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for visiting
the troops including some of the wounded officers and soldiers in
the hospitals saying ‘we thank His Excellency the Executive
Governor and good people of Borno State who have taken the brunt of
the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorists. Our
gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the
Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, who have all shown
concern and visited the troops. The Nigerian Army also thanks all
patriotic and concerned Nigerians who have sent in messages of
goodwill and support for the Nigerian Army.
’ Read full statement below In continuation with our resolve to
keep Nigerians well informed of the activities of the Nigerian
Army, I will be briefing you on the recent happenings in the North
East of Nigeria. In the 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.
Photos: Buhari in Maiduguri Specifically, the Nigerian Army troops
deployed at KUKAWA, NGOSHE, KARETO and GAJIRAM came under attack at
different times within a 2 week period from 2 – 17th November 2018.
Each of these incidents were successfully repelled and several
members of the terrorists were killed. However, a total of 16
personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12
soldiers were 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, in the Republic of Chad. One of the Nigerian
battalions (157 TF Bn), deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF
was attacked at their Base on the outskirts of a town called METELE
on 18th November 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 were wounded in
action and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within
Borno State. The Nigerian Army commiserates with the MNJTF at this
difficult time and wishes to state that all necessary support will
be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse this resurgence of the Boko
Haram Terrorists. The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate
with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid
the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland. The
sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain.
We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and
assure them of our continued support and care. The incident of 18th
November 2018, happened at a time when the Nigerian Army was
planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference for 2018
in Benin City, Edo State. On account of this incident, the
Conference had to be moved from Benin City to Maiduguri to enable
the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground
and to better appraise our activities, assess our performance and
identify our shortcomings as an Army. We are also sensitive to the
fact that the nation is approaching an election year and thus we
must be prepared to assist in providing security for the peaceful
conduct of elections.
Accordingly, the theme for this year’s annual conference is
aptly titled, “Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the
Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security
in Nigeria”. Let me at this juncture assure all Nigerians and
indeed the international community that the NA will work optimally,
in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure
environment for peace and unity in Nigeria. 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 2 – 3 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. At
this point permit me to implore all of us to spare a thought for
the brave men and women of the Nigerian Army who paid the supreme
price for the security of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army will continue
to support the families of these brave officers and soldiers and
pray that their souls rest in perfect peace. Let us also not forget
the men, women and children who have been killed or affected by the
atrocities of the terrorists.
It is for their sake that this war against terror must be won.
The Nigerian Army wishes to express its gratitude to the President,
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of
Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) who has visited the
troops including some of the wounded officers and soldiers in the
hospitals. We also thank His Excellency the Executive Governor and
good people of Borno State who have taken the brunt of the
nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorists. Our gratitude
also goes to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of
Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, who have all shown concern
and visited the troops. The Nigerian Army also thanks all patriotic
and concerned Nigerians who have sent in messages of goodwill and
support for the Nigerian Army.
Finally, the Nigerian Army, wishes to reiterate and pledge its
total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria. 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.
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