‘We can’t always claim victory over enemies’ — army chief speaks on Mainok attack

Ibrahim Attahiru, chief of army staff, says troops can’t always claim victory over enemies.

The army had lost a commander and six soldiers when Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mainok, Borno state, on Sunday.

TheCable also reported how the insurgents disguised as friendly forces to steal tactical vehicles from the military base.

While visiting troops at the operation Lafiya Dole headquarters in Maiduguri on Thursday, Attahiru said despite the attack, the army will not accept defeat.

“Even though some of our troops’ locations in Mainok and other formations were attacked by members of Boko Haram sect, we will not accept defeat,” he said.

“In war, there is no way troops will 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 ending the war and other security challenges such as banditry and kidnapping, among other crimes, bedevilling some parts of the country.

“We’ve defeated Boko Haram terrorists severally. If for one time they came and we lose certain equipment, we are committed to the focus of the entire operations, which is total annihilation of Boko Haram from Nigeria.”

The army chief said his visit is to be in constant touch with troops and their commanders at the frontline.

He said this is important for every military operation, especially in the counter-insurgency environment.

Attahiru added that the president is aware of the army’s requirements for executing the war to a logical conclusion.