The Nigerian Army has been directed to deal decisively with any terrorist group and all those who take up arms against the Nigerian State, as military authorities said yesterday that 100 notorious commanders and fighters of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, were killed by joint military operations involving air and ground components.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Farouq Yahaya, stated this at a Christmas luncheon with troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, at Maimalari cantonment Maiduguri, charged them to continue to take the battle to hideouts of the insurgents, assuring that their will be no respite for criminal groups in the country.
He reminded officers and men of the service to remain calm and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement throughout the electioneering period.
Lieutenant General Yahaya, announced that measures have been put in place to improve the welfare of personnel and their families, with the assurance to provide the needed medical support to the wounded troops.
“I must commend our troops for their wonderful performance; we have now reached a turning point, so what we just need is a little push to completely defeat terrorism in Nigeria.
“We must not rest on our oars as it is pleasing to note that we are recording giant strides in defeating all detractors towards bringing lasting peace to our fatherland. Our collective sacrifices in the various theatres of operations are well appreciated by well-meaning Nigerians both home and abroad as well as allies of Nigeria worldwide ” General Yahaya said.
Also, Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Isiyaka Amao, said the event provided an opportunity for the officers and soldiers to remember troops who paid the supreme price in defending the country.
He noted that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has conducted a total of 1,884 missions in 2565 sorties with a total flight time of 3,643 hours from January to December 2022.
“These tremendous efforts have been remarkably effective in degrading the capabilities of the terrorists and denying them freedom of action in the North East of the County. This has by extension, translated to more peace and order in adjourning states and international borders ” Air Marshal Amao stressed.
In his message, Borno state Governor, Babagana Zulum, represented by his Deputy Governor Alhaji Umar Kadafur, commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership style as they always celebrate with troops during the festive period.
He also appreciated the Service Chiefs for rewarding gallant personnel who distinguished themselves in the counter-insurgency operations.
The high point of the event was special recognition for some deserving personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Airforce, the Nigeria Union of journalists, and some media houses for their support of the fight against insurgents in the country.
Meanwhile, Military authorities said yesterday that 100 notorious commanders and fighters of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, were killed by joint military operations involving air and ground components, among those killed are Khalid Tukur, Maimusari, and Bakura Jega.
The insurgents were eliminated at Mantari in the Gezuwa area of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State alongside 75 other terrorists.
A military update issued by the spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the operations, which resulted in the killing of the terrorists, were conducted jointly.
“The airstrikes by our NAF aircraft were authorized after it was revealed that a Boko Haram terror commander, simply known as Ikirima, had stationed his fighters and gun trucks at Mantari village alongside other terrorists from other locations, who had converged at the same location, on motorcycles and bicycles.
“Subsequently, the authorization for an air strike was given, leading to the elimination of several of the terrorists and structures in the area,” Gabkwet stated.
He said after the first wave of the airstrikes, some surviving terrorists found their way back to the same location to evacuate the bodies of neutralized terrorists.
“This, thus, provided an opportunity for a follow-up strike on the same location, which has been confirmed very successful, as over 100 terrorists were neutralized with dozens said to be in critical condition,” he said.
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