COAS lauds troops’ recent successes against Boko Haram in North East

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Farouq Yahaya, has commended troops and officers of Operation HADIN KAI over recent successes in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.

Yahaya made the commendation on Friday during a two-day operational visit to the North East Theartre of Operation.

While commending the gallantry and recent successes of the troops, the COAS urged them not to relent but step up their acts by harnessing more intelligence that can lead to a total restoration of peace in the region.

He also hailed the troops on the frontline for the improved security in the region even, saying “there is still more work to be done to consolidate on the successes”.

Yahaya however charged the troops to “remain alert at all times”. “We can’t afford to take the situation for granted. We are not relenting,” he said.

Besides, he urged the commanders to invest their resources in seeking more relevant information. “Perpetrators are not from the moon; they are here with us.

“Commanders on the ground need to harness more information networks, relate with credible sources of information, triangulate and take necessary action on the Intels generated,” he tasked them.

He said the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces have been keenly following the development on the frontlines, and he has been happy with the troop’s operational successes.

The COAS also reminded the troops of yet another added task ahead of them, the 2023 general elections.

He said the Nigerian army particularly has a role to play in ensuring that the democratic exercise is conducted in a secure atmosphere without hitches.

“Elections are here, and when they come they are with their odds and challenges,’ he said.

“We also have experienced many elections, and we have been covering elections since 1999, so we are to leverage our experience by dusting up contingency plans for flash points and likely areas of trouble.”

He said the troops are to “rehearse” drills and especially liaise and cooperate with other security agencies that provide support during elections.

He said the army has also inaugurated some operations like “Operation Still Water” and “Operation Golden Dawn” among others, that are targeted toward checking criminal activities that are associated with the yuletide periods.

“One of the objectives is to set the conditions for free elections.

“Our exercises and operations are intelligence driven so that they can address unique stay-clear security challenges where they are launched so that they can create a secure atmosphere that will suit the election periods.

“All units and formations of the Nigerian army have contingency plans for the provision of security, particularly for the coming elections,” he assured.