President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the military for the progress recorded in the clearance operations in northern parts of Borno State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported yesterday.
In a Sallah message yesterday to the 119 Task Force and Armed Forces Special Forces Battalions’ temporary harbour at Kangarwa, the President acknowledged the impact of their work in the North East, saying Nigerians were proud of them and “grateful for the sacrifice.’’
The message, conveyed to the troops by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, added that the entire country was behind them and praying for the successful completion of their task in the region.
Buhari reiterated his administration’s commitment to meeting the needs of the troops needs in this onerous job of dismantling the last of the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists from the region and the country at large. Also, the COAS has reopened the 141-kilometre Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gambouru Road which the military recaptured from the insurgents early this year in the state.
Speaking at the event, Buratai noted that the move was to revive the state’s economy which had suffered over the years following an upsurge in insurgency in that part of the federation.
He, however, warned the Theatre Commander, officers and men against all forms of extortion on the road.
“If we witness any security breach, we know who would be held responsible. So, Theatre Commander take note,” he cautioned.
The highway, according to the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) yesterday in Maiduguri, links the three border countries of Chad, Cameroun and Central African Republic.
Buratai also noted yesterday that: “The opening of this road is very important to the economic well-being of the people of Borno State and indeed Nigeria. And to us as military commanders and soldiers, it is also strategically important.”
He continued: “If you recall, it was this border road that was first cleared within a month when the military leadership came on board after President Muhammadu Buhari appointed us. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other service chiefs were here with me.”
“Buratai observed with nostalgia that it was on this same road that his convoy was ambushed.
“Unfortunately, we lost a soldier and three other personnel were injured, including a Brigadier General. Therefore, the terrorists know the importance of this road. They will try by all means to get hold of it so that they will be able to ply from Sambisa Forest up to the Lake Chad waters and cross over to Niger and some parts of Cameroun and Chad,” the military chief added. THE SUN
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