President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the gallant troops of the Nigerian Army for their historic final push to crush Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa Forest.
In a goodwill message to troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole on the successful capture of the Boko Haram enclave in Sambisa Forest, Buhari expressed his pride over conduct of the troops.
His words, “I am delighted at, and most proud of the gallant troops of the Nigerian Army, on receipt of the long-awaited and most gratifying news of the final crushing of Boko Haram terrorists in their last enclave in Sambisa Forest.
“I want to use this opportunity to commend the determination, courage and resilience of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole at finally entering and crushing the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents at “Camp Zero”, which is located deep within the heart of Sambisa Forest.
“I was told by the Chief of Army Staff that the Camp fell at about 1:35pm on Friday, Dec. 22, and that the terrorists are on the run, and no longer have a place to hide.”
He urged troops to maintain the tempo by pursuing the insurgents and bringing them to justice.
The President, therefore, called on all Nigerians to cooperate and support the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies by providing useful information that would expose all the terrorists hiding among the populace.
He, however, urged the troops to further intensify their efforts towards liberating the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity.
President Buhari also congratulated and commended “the able leadership of the Nigerian Army in particular and indeed, that of the Armed Forces in general, for making this possible.
“This, no doubt, will go a long way in improving the security situation not only in the North East, but the country in general. But we must not let our guards down.
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“Once more, congratulations to our troops and all who, in one way or the other, contributed to this most commendable and momentous effort. May the Almighty continue to be with you.
“I wish you a Merry Christmas and a most rewarding and peaceful Year 2017 ahead.’’
Meantime, the Chief of Army staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has commended the efforts and sacrifices of gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army currently engaged in the counter insurgency operations in the North East and other operations across the country and abroad.
Buratai gave the commendation in a Christmas and New Year message to the soldiers.
“I congratulate you for your bravery, doggedness and loyalty in these endeavours. I want to urge you all to maintain the momentum and remain steadfast as we continue to professionally and responsively carryout our constitutional roles.
“On my part, I will continue to ensure that troops’ welfare and that of their families, remains my utmost priority.
“Let me reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the Nigerian Army with the requisite support for us to perform our duties.
“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, has pledged his total support to the Armed Forces to bring all ongoing operations to an end in favour of our dear country.
“This festive season heralds peace as well as a time for merriment, sober reflection and introspection. I enjoin us all to continue to pray to the Almighty God for the repose of the souls of our fallen comrades and the wellbeing of the families of our brave fallen heroes”
While thanking the officers and men for the good job they had done in 2016, he said they should look forward to “making greater progress in 2017”
“I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” he said
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