Boko Haram: There is Still More Work to Do, Says Buratai

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said there is still much to be done to “keep the head of Boko Haram from rising again.”

He said though Boko Haram has been technically defeated, the tempo must be maintained by the Nigerian military through focused and proactive measures.

Speaking on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the Combat Support Arms Training week taking place in Maiduguri, Borno State, the COAS, who was represented by Commandant, Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Abubakar Salihu, instructed the combat support arms troops deployed for the counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast to remain focused and proactive at all times in order to permanently defeat Boko Haram terrorists.

He re-emphasised the need for synergy and proactive measures to ensure final defeat of the insurgents.

According to him, “I am glad to state that significant progress has been achieved and successes recorded in the operations against Boko Haram such as Lafiya Dole and Last Hold, thereby denying them and other criminals the freedom of action. The insurgents have been technically defeated, however, there is more to be done, and we must remain focused and be proactive at all times.

"As combat support arms, you have a major role to play in the final defeat. This calls for more efforts and synergy for all to achieve the desired goal of ensuring enduring peace that will enhance development in the country.”

He explained that programme is an annual event organised on a rotational basis among the combat support arms of the Nigerian army to brainstorm and re-strategise towards combating contemporary security challenges.

"It is gratifying to note that the outcome of the previous trainings have been instrumental to major policies formulation of the Nigerian army."

He stated further that “this year's training is coming at a time when the country with its military is at the threshold of completely routing out the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and also when the fight to eliminate other criminal elements is in top gear.”

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Usman Durkwa, declared the event open.

He applauded the military for sacrifices and patriotism towards ending the insurgency, and pledged to continue supporting the Nigerian army to ensure total restoration of peace and normalcy in the state by ending the insurgency.