War on Terror: Army calls for collective responsibility

The Nigerian Army has called for collaborative efforts from every stakeholder in the ongoing fight against terrorism, saying that no single agency can successfully end terrorism.

Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Brigadier General Abdulmalik Biu, made this known when the Queen of Hunter, Aisha Bakari Gombi paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He maintained that Boko Haram terrorists are not spirits but are sons, daughters, brothers and sisters of some people in the area that were accommodated in the past.

In his words, ‘We must all participate to restore our dignity. Our people have been traumatized and generations yet unborn are likely to inherit more trauma if Boko Haram is not dealt with completely, we must work together to bequeath a nation that they can be proud of’.

He also assured her of collaboration at all times, stressing that in the fight against insurgency, the non-kinetic aside military approach is very essential.

The Acting GOC further stated that, the Nigerian Army will give her all the support so that the non-kinetic efforts are exploited in ending Boko Haram insurgency.

Responding, Aisha stated that she was in the Division to thank the Nigerian Army for their efforts towards ending insurgency in the North East.

She assured of her group’s readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Army and pledged that the group will remain ever ready when call upon at any time.

It would be recalled that Aisha Bakari Gombi is among thousands of hunters brought in by the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram and her exploits in catching Boko Haram fighters as well as searching out and rescuing kidnapped children within the enclaves of Boko Haram terrorists earned her the title, ‘Queen of Hunters’ in the order of the likes of historic Queen Amina.

10. In a related development, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Borno State Chapter also paid a courtesy visit to the Acting GOC.

The leader of the delegation and Secretary of the Chapter, Alhaji Ahmadu Musa stated that they were in the Division to thank officers and soldiers of the entire Nigerian Army.

They extended their gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, expressing that before his assumption of office, all roads in Maiduguri were closed and they were practically out of business, but now no road in Borno is closed through the efforts of the COAS.

He further said that, clearing of the insurgents along those routes have brought them back into business.

He further stated that they have never had any complaints against personnel of Nigerian Army, as there is cordial relationship between their workers and personnel of the Nigerian Army.

He expressed his delight with the Army’s efforts in seeking collaboration with other agencies while pledging their own cooperation.

Responding, the Acting GOC stated that NURTW is, ‘a very potent and institutionalized union, we want to leverage on your well established structure in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists.’

He commended them for the cordiality between them and the personnel.

He promised to sustain the fight against insurgency and also making it a thing of the past.

He also said they can reciprocate COAS gesture of opening the roads and putting them back in business by providing purposeful leadership by ensuring that, only roadworthy vehicles ply the roads especially where it involves military escorts to make it easy for soldiers embarking on such escort duties, to avoid breakdown along routes that are vulnerable to terrorists’ attacks.

Present during the visits were the Chief of Staff 7 Division Brigadier General Adelokun Eyitayo and other Principal Staff Officers.

Texas Chukwu
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations