Boko Haram: Expect more recruitment, equipment soon – Magashi

The Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi, has assured the front line troops that new recruitment of soldiers and equipment is underway, urging them to scale up their efforts.

Magashi gave the assurance Sunday when he led service chiefs to Military Command and Control in Maiduguri where they held a closed-door meeting with field commanders for about 3 hours to assess the ongoing operation in the theatre of war.

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The visit came after the recent multiple attacks on Damasak town where 18 civilians were confirmed dead, more than 20 wounded, and over 100 thousand fled to the Niger Republic.

The minister, while speaking shortly after the briefing, addressed the frontlines troops and charged them to ensure they brought enemies to their knees as Nigerians continue to count on them.

He said: “We are here to appreciate your efforts and President Muhammadu Buhari said we should come here to talk to you that your efforts are appreciated. You should continue to bring an end to this Katakata we are facing; let us end this problem now.

“It is only when we do our jobs well that we can find solutions to this problem, some of you are overstaying here, some of you work so hard, some of you have lost your friends even their mates.

“Very soon, we will embark on the recruitment of soldiers and officers so that we will improve manpower holding of our armed forces, we will bring new equipment for efficient and effective operation.

“We have lost time and we now have ten years in this operation, I am sure with the right tools, you will do this country proud.

“So, when you are here, put your mind in this job, you are already being baptised, you need to be courageous, fight the enemies, fight whoever is fighting you and bring them to their knees and be sure we have the resources, equipment to improve your standard, training and welfare.

“Let me assure you that your efforts will not be in vain, we will continue to count on you, we believe you have done it before in so many places to maintain peace. We can do it in Nigeria. We will continue to improve on your standards both in equipment, training and welfare,” Magashi assured.

Those in the entourage of the defence minister included Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Iraboh, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Isiaka Amao and the representative of Chief of Naval Staff.