Service chiefs in Borno to re-assess military operation

The newly-decorated service chiefs visited Borno, the state worst-hit by insurgency, on Friday, to re-assess the ongoing military operation in the north-east.  

The officers, who were directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to curb the activities of Boko Haram insurgents within three months, were led by Babagana Monguno, the national security adviser.

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff; Sadique Abubakar, chief of air staff; Abayomi Olonishakin, chief of defence staff; and Solomon Arase, inspector-general of police, were those who made the trip.

Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Kashim Shetima, governor of the state, Monguno said the visit was long due, explaining that the screening of the senate delayed it till this period.

He said the military alone cannot end insurgency, appealing for the cooperation of Nigerians.

Monguno said the new service chiefs were capable of leading the military to victory, expressing optimism that normalcy will soon be restored to the troubled parts of the country.

“We are to assess all the military operational details that will facilitate various aerial and ground troops to put an end to Boko Haram,” he said.

“Exactly a month and a day ago, myself and the new service chiefs were appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, and given special mandate.

“The president has left us in no doubt as to what he wants us to achieve, taking into consideration that the most pressing issue facing Nigeria today is the insurgency that faces us in the north-eastern region of the country.

“Ordinarily, we would have hit the ground running since our appointments, but I felt that we should wait for the senate to confirm the new service chiefs and for the president to decorate them and less than 24 hours after the decoration, we are here.

“Mr. President has told us that he wants this insurgency to end within the shortest possible time; he has given a time-frame which we are all aware of. His commitment to ending this insurgency is not in doubt. He has charged us to carry out this mission, knowing full well that he has picked the people which as far as he is concerned were the best to end this insurgency.”