Chief of Army Staff visits troops attacked by insurgents in Gajigana
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai had paid assessment visit to Gajigana, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State on the troop’s location that was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists over the weekend.
According to a statement by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations, the Army Chief was received and conducted round troops’ deployment by the Commander 5 Brigade and the Commanding Officer of 243 Battalion.
The statement said the Chief of Army Staff while fielding questions from journalists that accompanied him, stated that he was there to see things for himself, assess the situation and give strategic directives.
“Speaking further with the Commanders, he expressed dissatisfaction with the troops conduct and warned that such incident should not repeat itself. He also called on the public especially those residing in the affected area to support and cooperate with the troops by exposing suspected Boko Haram terrorists that live among them.
“He also stated that the recent wave of attacks by terrorists in Gulak and Gajigana should be seen as isolated cases that would not be allowed to repeat itself because adequate measures are being taken to deal decisively with the any of such occurrences. He also assured that the military and the security agencies would continue to improve their performances. He also warned troops to be more proactive and alive to their duties as everything is being done to support them.
It should also be noted that the recent attacks had every element of criminality; as such the people need to fully support the security agencies to finally defeat terrorism and criminality in our society” the statement stated.
He was said to have been accompanied by the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Acting Director Military Intelligence and the Acting Provost Marshal (Army). Also on the entourage were representatives of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Police attached to the Military Command and Control Centre.
“It will be recalled that Boko Haram attacked our troops location in Gulak on Sunday which was repelled. The troops also killed 3 Boko Haram terrorists, while quite number escaped with gunshot wounds. In addition, a Toyota Hilux, 1 PKM gun, 1 General Purpose Machine Gun, 3 AK-47 rifles, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade tube and 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb were recovered by the troops.
“Other recoveries include, 1 Charger, 7 Boxes of 7.62mm Link, 1 GP 340 Hand Held Radio, 4 Boxes of 7.62mm X 54mm Ammunitions, 3 Anti Riot Hand Held Grenade, as well as 30 Cleaning Kits, 2 Packets of Artillery Primers and 97 pieces of Zela fuse”.
The statement explained that with the beginning of December, it is important to note that the troops have also entered a very critical part of the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its total commitment and determination to the war against the Boko Haram terrorists. Consequently, we solicit for the continued support, cooperation and understanding of all Nigerians in this regard” the statement concluded.
