Following the graduation of 55 soldiers in Advanced Watermanship, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has said that the Lake Chad will no longer be a safe haven for terrorists.
The army chief, while speaking at the graduation of the soldiers in Jaji, Kaduna yesterday, said Boko Haram terrorists were not in control of any territory in Nigeria.
He said the 55 soldiers would be included in the amphibious battalion which would soon be established to tackle the insurgents in the Lake Chad.
According to Buratai, “You are all aware of the ongoing event in the country especially, the security landscape between 2013 to mid-2015. I am referring the situation in the north east. However, between middle 2015 to date, the insurgency and terrorist elements have suffered the highest degradation.
“They no longer control any territory in particular in our sovereignty, this is due to correct strategies, employment and disposition of the right force with the tremendous backing of the Commander-in-chief, President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the good will of the citizens contributed immensely to the successes achieved so far.
“There is no gain saying that the focus on effective training adopted in the last 3 years has been the heart of our successes. It is pertinent to say that lessons learnt from our counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations have to a large extent guided our training and our operational planning.
“Earlier on in the north east, campaign known as Operation Lafia Dole, it became evident that we needed to develop the mobile style capability. This informed the development of mobile bridge concept which involves organizing the troops into mobile strike teams. Today, you have witness the employment of mobile strike teams with the incision of troops in small team by air to conduct raid operations and the subsequent execration through the water body in small groups and parties.
“You will agree with me that what you have witnessed today is a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army Capability to deal decisively with the Boko Haram terrorists that are still locking up in the Lake Chad waters. This I assure you that with the level of motivation that I have seen this afternoon from these gallant troops, the Lake Chad will no longer be a safe haven for the criminals.”
Buratai promoted the soldiers to their various next ranks as their reward for courage to participate in the special course.
Meanwhile, the visiting Chief of South African Army (COSAA) Lt Gen. Lindile Yam, in his remarks, said Nigerian military should be emulated.
“I am delighted to note that the relationship has been started between the two Armies and to note to Lt Gen. Buratai on my visit to the Chief of Air Staff and Naval Staff yesterday, l marvel at the relationship between the 2 militaries on how it has grown multi fold and the results that it bears.
