Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has said the introduction of Armed Drones into the battle to rid the North East of Boko Haram Terrorists, proved largely effective in the military defeating the terrorists and firmly establishing its presence in Sambisa Forest hitherto the domain of the sect.
He said “The Armed Drones were very effective in detecting movement of arms and logistics of the terrorists, tracking their hideouts as well as the movement of members of the group particularly in Sambisa Forest where the Shekau faction held sway.
Addressing Military Chiefs from 40 African Countries as well as allies from the United States Army Africa Command, NATO and the African Union, at the end of the African Land Forces Summit 2018 in Abuja, the Army Chief said the armed drones also helped in facilitating quick response of Nigerian troops in containing and degrading the activities of the terrorists.
Commending the United States Army Africa Command which is a co-host of the summit, Buratai said the motive for bringing the summit to Nigeria was the successes recorded in defeating Boko Haram and other security challenges.
He pointed out that the US played a pivotal role in assisting the Nigerian Army achieve the feat by providing surveillance and intelligence equipment, and training of personnel.
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Emphasizing that without security, there won’t be development, the Army Chief told the African Military Chiefs, “That is why the United States is focusing on security, stability and prosperity of the African continent through this summit. That is why emphasis is being laid on unity, command and control”
“Terrorism in particular has dealt a serious blow to age long and exciting Cultures and Traditions of the African continent.
“That is why concerted and collaborative efforts must be made to deal with the cankerworm.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin who represented Defence Minister, Mansur Dan Ali at the occasion, noted that a secured Africa and Global security imperative, justified the 3 days summit hoping that deliberations at plenary have offered solutions to neutralizing threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, piracy and banditry affecting many countries.
Insisting that Boko Haram have been defeated by the Nigerian Military, he said, “The terrorist group has been rendered incapable of launching attacks, holding territory. The success in the fight would however not have been achieved without the collaborative efforts of the Lake Chad Basin Countries.
While urging the leadership of Africa’s Military establishments to always interface on security challenges, Olonisakin said alliances formed, knowledge gained at the summit would go a long way helping curtail identified security threats.
He pledged that Nigeria would continue to support Africa and global peace whenever called upon
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Hon. Symington Stuart in a brief address explained why US is supporting the summit saying, “Prosperity, security and stability in Africa will lead to future of freedom in the world.”
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