The Nigerian Army on
Friday night in Abuja hosted President Muhammadu Buhari to Guards Brigade
Regimental Dinner and presented to him the captured Boko Haram flag.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flag was
handed over to the President by the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole,
Maj. -Gen. Lucky Irabor.
NAN recalls that men of the Operation Lafiya Dole operating in
the North East had successfully captured the “Camp Zero”, the strongest
enclave of Boko Haram terrorists sect, in the Sambisa Forest.
Irabor, had disclosed that about 1,240 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested during a mop-up operation by troops inside the Sambisa forest.
Irabor, had disclosed that about 1,240 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested during a mop-up operation by troops inside the Sambisa forest.
While
receiving the flag, President Buhari challenged the army forces on the need to
continue to ensure the survival of Nigeria as a geo-political entity despite
what he described as “political madness’’ being exhibited in some parts of the
country.
According
to him, it is duty bound for the army to ensure the sustenance of peaceful
co-existence among the over 250 ethnic groups across the country.
“We
will do our best to build the national institutions in the country.
“All
these political madness in the North East, the Niger Delta or in the East
should not be allowed to cause division or any form of tension in the country.
“There
are 250 ethnic groups, so keeping Nigeria one is a task that must be done, even
for your personal reason you must make sure this country remains united and
stronger,’’ he said.
President
Buhari, who narrated his early military life in Abeokuta and subsequent
redeployment to Zaire (now Congo), said he was almost killed while on duty even
before enjoying his first salary as an officer.
The
president, therefore, stated that he was conversant with the problems of the
military having spent over 25 years in the military.
He
recalled how his refusal to adhere to an advice from the IMF, World Bank to
devalue the naira and increase prices of fuel and flour, as a military Head of
State, led to his removal.
He
said: “I refused and gave my reasons and the next thing I knew I was removed
and detained for three and half years.
“As
a civilian president I will do my best and I’m telling you all these because
you are part of the leadership of this great country and God willing we will
remain great.”
In
his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai urged the officers and
men of the Guards Brigade to always maintain the courage and discipline they
were known for in 2017 and beyond.
He
assured that the military would continue their onslaught in the North East, and
would not rest in mopping up of the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents.
Buratai
reassured that the Nigerian Army would remain apolitical in carrying out its
duties to the nation.
The
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the regimental dinner night, which
was organized to mark the end of drilling year of the Presidential Brigade of
Guards, afforded the officers of the brigade to socialize with their
commanders.
The
highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the PMB Gymnasium at the
Scorpion Mess in W.U. Bassey Cantonment by the President.
The
event also witnessed the presentation of Souvenirs, Scorpion Magazine and Compendium
of Guards Brigade as well as the conducts of the band by the President.
The
Commander, Brigade of Guards, Brig.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, delivered the vote of
thanks at the occasion which was attended by notable personalities including
the representative of Senate President, Sen. Leader, Ali Ndume and the
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammed Bello.
NAN
No comments:
Post a Comment