Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, yesterday admitted defeat of the Army on several battle fronts by Boko Haram in recent times.
Recall that a few days ago, suspected members of Boko Haram dislodged a military base at Kamuya village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
They also attacked Mainok in Kaga Local Government Area last Sunday, killing dozens of soldiers and decimating military arms and ammunition.
Several of the soldiers were also injured and are currently receiving treatment in Maiduguri.
Reacting to the attacks in an interview with newsmen at 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment/ Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri while on an operational visit to see the wounded soldiers, Lt. General Attahiru said in a war situation, it was not possible for the military to win all battles.
“There is no way troops would always claim victory over its enemies as sometimes, opposite is the direction,” he said.
He said with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, troops of the Nigerian Army will deal decisively with the insurgents, noting that the Army had defeated them severally in the past.
Attahiru, who noted that the troops are committed to ending the insurgency war and other security challenges such as banditry and kidnapping, among other crimes bedeviling some parts of the country, said: “Even though some of our troop locations in Mainok and other formations were attacked by members of Boko Haram sect, we will not accept defeat.
“In war, there is no way troops would always claim victory over its enemies. The Nigerian Army under the support of President Muhammadu Buhari will take on Boko Haram decisively as troops have defeated Boko Haram severally.
“Troops are committed to end the war and other security challenges such as banditry and kidnapping among other crimes bedeviling some parts of the country.
“We are committed to the focus of the entire operations which is total annihilation of Boko Haram from Nigeria.”
Welcoming the COAS earlier, Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Farouq Yahaya, lauded the regular visit by the COAS which he said had continued to boost the morale of the troops.
“We are honoured, we are grateful, we are encouraged by those visits. You provided us guidance, logistics and other things we required. We are most grateful for those visits, “ Yahaya said.
This is the fifth visit the Army chief is making to the frontline in Borno since his appointment on January 26, 2021.
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