Military Will Continue to Bombard Boko Haram Terrorists Until They Surrender, Says Theatre Commander

The Head of the military counter-insurgency operation in the North-east region, Maj. Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, has stated that the military will only stopped the ongoing onslaught on Boko Haram terrorists when the latter waive the white flag and indicate their readiness to sit at the roundtable.

 Speaking to newly promoted Major Generals in the North-east theatre of operation, Adeniyi on Tuesday said they should take the war more than ever before to the enclave of the Boko Haram, and desist from reducing from propensity of attacks until the insurgents get the message and surrender.

He said the war has gone on for so long, and that the insurgents need to be told that they do not have a hiding place, as the only option from total annihilation is the roundtable.

The army general who led the decoration of the newly promoted 13 major generals in the North-east theatre of operation (Operation Lafiya Dole), told the promoted officers to redouble their efforts and take the fight to Boko Haram terrorists and restore peace in Borno State and the Northeast region in general.

He, however, asked them to fear God in the course of the counter-terrorism operations and respect officers and men under their command.

Adeniyi, while admitting that promotion comes from God alone, assured those that missed the current promotion that their time would come.

According to him, "As you are now promoted to Brigadier Generals and have joined the league of ‘big boys’, demonstrate the fear of God in your dealings with Nigerians and let people see it. Show empathy to others who may have not been privileged in life. Be humble to your subordinates and the society.

"When I took over command, I promised to take the fight to the Boko Haram terrorists, and I thank you for helping me to fight the criminals.  So it is a good thing that the enemies are losing."

Adeniyi charged the decorated officers to go to their various commands and brigades and heat up the terrorists for a lasting peace in the state and region.

Early in his remark, the acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and commander sector (1) of Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdul-Khalifah Ibrahim, urged the officers to take full charge of the areas they have been assigned to.

"By your ranks, some of you might be given brigades and commands, so when you find yourself there, work with honour. There might be days when soldiers under you will capture Boko Haram or ammunition, and when they don't, please never apportion blame.

"I hope and wish you will make all the soldiers working under you to do great things for the country," Ibrahim charged them.