* Visit troops in Damasak and Mallam Fatori
The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Task Force Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Stevenson Olabanji has urged troops fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast region to be committed and steadfast in their duty.
A statement signed by the Deputy Director Public Relations of 8 Task Force Division, Col Timothy Antigha, said Olabanji stated this when he visited troops in the front lines in Kareto,Damasak and Mallam Fatori.
Antigha said: “the acting GOC commended them for working very hard to ensure that Boko Haram terrorists were expelled from Damasak, while the main supply route between Maiduguri – Gubio —Kareto–Damasak is secured and safe for residents who are beginning to return to their communities.
“He acknowledged their sacrifices and urged the relentless pursuit of terrorists within their area of responsibility.”
He added that the acting GOC also lauded the operational successes of 5 Brigade, despite the challenges confronting them, adding that the importance of developing the right leadership and attitude as means of overcoming difficulties, and consolidating the gains already made.
Also addressing Officers and Soldiers in Mallam Fatori, Brig Gen Olabanji urged them, particularly, junior commanders to view their participation in Operation LAFIYA DOLE as an opportunity to learn the rudiments of the military profession, and in the process, equip themselves for greater responsibilities in the future.
“You are the future of the Nigerian Army, therefore, you should view this operation as a unique opportunity to learn and also provide quality and effective leadership to troops,” he said
The GOC commended the troops for their dedication and steadfastness in holding Mallam Fatori despite repeated attempts by Boko Haram terrorists to over run the location, stressing that troops should hold on firmly to all equipment issued as the loss of any equipment will attract severe sanctions.
Earlier, the Commander 5 Brig Gen Aminu Chinade briefed the GOC on the activities of the brigade, and pledged the continued commitment of his Officers and Soldiers to the realisation of the tasks of the Division.
In a related development, the GOC visited Boso, where troops of 48 Engineer Brigade commanded by Brig Gen Jonathan Garnvwa are constructing a bridge to ease the movement of men and material in support of operations along the axis.