The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai said the Nigerian Army has commenced the reorganization of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North East, fighting Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT).
He made this known on Thursday in Abuja, during a meeting at the Army Headquarters Abuja, with Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), General Officer Commanding (GOCs) and Operational Commanders.
Buratai told journalists who were called in at an interlude during the meeting that the Army would reinforce its operations and reorganize Operation Lafiya Dole to take care of some emerging challenges.
Daily Trust reported that over 40 soldiers were killed in a battle with Boko Haram insurgents at Zari, a border settlement with Niger Republic in Borno State, about 30 kilometers from Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.
He said, “You are very much aware, recently we deployed Operation Last Hold, which is consolidating the successes which were achieved in the North East, we are equally looking at a way we can reverberate Operation Lafiya Dole.”
“These would be done immediately; of course we have already started the reorganization, details would not be immediately given to you,” he added.
He said, “We want to ensure that the confidence reposed on us by Nigerians in dealing with the security situation in the country is maintained.”
He explained that, “We have equally reviewed our challenges in the various Operations and these challenges are being addressed.”
He noted that all Commanders have been directed to review their challenges with a view to addressing them properly.
Buratai said, “The Nigerian Army Headquarters is ever ready to support all the field commanders, and the General Officers Commanding in addressing those logistics, operational and general administrative challenges.”
He noted that other Operations of the Army include, “Operation Mesa, Operation Delta Safe, Operation Whirl Stroke, and Operation Sharan Daji.”
He said the Army would also focus on other pending operations to be conducted within the year, which would include Operation Crocodile Smile III and Operation Python Dance III.
He also said the Nigerian Army would work with other security agencies to ensure security before, during and after the forthcoming 2019 general elections.