Jonathan Says Troops Will Keep Their Fighting Spirit

• Military Reclaims More Territories In Adamawa, Yobe

• Recover Variety Of Arms, Ammunitions

BARELY 24-hours after he paid a morale-boosting visits to troops fighting in the troubled states of Adamawa and Borno, President Goodluck Jonathan has assured that Nigerian soldiers would maintain the momentum they have built up in ongoing operations against Boko Haram and rapidly recover more occupied territories from the terrorist group.

  This assurance came as the military continued to push the insurgents further away from hitherto occupied territories in strategic locations in Adamawa and Yobe states, which they recaptured, along with different arms and ammunitions.

  Speaking at an audience with the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jacques Champagne De Labriolle in Abuja yesterday, Jonathan said the officers and men of the Nigerian Army he met on the frontlines in Borno and Adamawa states on Thursday were in very high spirits, well prepared and determined to successfully complete their operations against Boko Haram.

  “We have already recovered much territory and very soon our troops will clear the terrorists out of other areas not presently under our control,” the President assured.

  Welcoming a congratulatory message from President Francois Hollande to Nigeria for recent successes of its armed forces against Boko Haram, the President restated Nigeria’s appreciation of France’s unwavering support for Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against terrorism.

  Jonathan particularly commended his French counterpart for organising the Paris Summit of Heads of State of Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Niger and Chad in May last year to foster greater regional cooperation against terrorism and insurgency.

  The President pledged that beyond the ongoing military campaign in the Northeast, Nigeria would continue to implement all agreements reached at the Summit to ensure lasting peace and security within its borders and in neighbouring countries.

  The President also seized the opportunity to reassure the international community of his firm commitment to free, fair and credible polls in Nigeria next month. 

  He wished the outgoing ambassador well in his future endeavours, urging him to always be a “good ambassador of Nigeria.” 

  In his remarks, Labriolle said France was “confident in the future of Nigeria and its ability to continue playing a huge role in Africa and world affairs.”

  The ambassador also expressed delight at improved trade and economic ties between Nigeria and France in the last three years, noting that over 250 French companies are currently operating in Nigeria.

  A statement from the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said: “Troops have finally routed terrorists from Bara, the headquarters of Gulani Council of Yobe State and Gulag, the headquarters of Madagali Council of Adamawa State in the early hours of today (yesterday).”