The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya has warned anyone that takes up arms against the country be prepared to face the full wrath of the Nigerian Army.
The 13-year insurgency has killed over 40, 000 people with the destruction of property worth $9. 2 billion (N3. 42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
Yahaya gave the warnings on Monday, in Maiduguri on a working visit to Army formations to boost troops’ morale in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Northeast.
During the visit, he commissioned five completed projects at the Maimalari Cantonment, including a block of 36 flats for officers and soldiers, 7 Division Garrison Sergeant Majors’ residence, Theatre Command Training School and an Ultra-Modern Operation and Conference Hall.
“We’re poised to carry out the mandate given by President Muhammadu Buhari,” he declared, assuring that the terrorists including violent criminals would soon meet their waterloos to restore peace in the region.
“This is a message to all the criminals, whether they’re making videos or whatever they are making, the time is up and we will get to them by the grace of God,” Gen. Yahaya said
Besides, he added: “Anybody who takes up arm against the State in whatever form, we will get to him.”
He noted that despite the security challenges, the recent killings, banditry and abductions, are however, panic actions of the criminals the North.
According to him: “The terrorists and criminals see the noose getting closer to them. It’s just a matter of time, we will get them.”
Yahaya further disclosed that the Army has brought back some main battle tanks, explaining that the various fighting platforms will be redeployed to different parts of the country to tackle insecurity to lives and property.
Speaking on the theatre of war, he said: “We’re today (Monday) here at the range to ensure the main battle tanks and other fighting variants are put back to shape for the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in the region.”
He noted that the four battle tanks are in good shape and ready to be redeployed to Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region bordering Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
He said that the fighting machines are being deployed to other theatres against bandits, kidnappers and other criminals operating across the country.
The Army Chief also evaluated operational strategies and troops’ proficiency in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.
He said that it was crucial to regularly review troops’ counter terrorism efforts in order to sustain the operational gains so far made the various theatres of war.
“The Nigerian Army under my leadership will continue to place high premium on the welfare of troops,” he said, adding that all the necessary logistics for effective performance will be provided to overcome security challenge across the country.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj-Gen. Christopher Musa, expressed appreciation to Yahaya for his commitments in redeeming the pledges on troops’ logistics and combat fighting equipment.
He noted that the CoAS’s visit to the theatre of war is a morale booster to all the troops in the front lines of Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region.
Musa, therefore assured Yahaya that the troops will continue to put in their best to end insurgency that claimed many lives.
Other top military brass on the one-day visit include the Chief of Logistics, Maj-Gen. Omotomilola Akintade, the Chief of Operations, Maj-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi, Chief of Accounts, and Budget, Maj-Gen. Adekunle Adesope.
The Provost Marshal (Army), Maj-Gen. Robert Aiyenigba and Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj-Gen. Ibrahim Salisu.
