Need to cheer up our troops in Borno

There is cheering news about the situation concerning our troops who are currently stationed in Borno State and engaged in the ongoing war against insurgency and terrorism involving the Boko Haram elements.

The good news is to the effect that our troops are not only in high spirits but are reportedly very happy with the army leadership’s positive actions on their welfare and also on the efforts of the Buhari government generally concerning the current war against insurgents across the country especially those perpetrating evil activities in the North-Eastern part of the country.

Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, the Ag. GOC of the 7th brigade in Borno had revealed that the morale of our troops are high especially with the continued presence of Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai the current chief of army staff (COAS) together with his immediate lieutenants in the war zone. Gen. Buratai and his officers had been in that area for a long time now due to the prevailing situation.  The action of the COAS has obviously boosted the morale of the soldiers and have encouraged them to continue to do their best.

Gen. Biu who revealed part of this information during a Radio Nigeria discussion programme in Maiduguri, had also explained that the weapons which the soldiers have had enabled them to reach the present position where they are presently. This sharply contradicted the earlier information received from some quarters that some soldiers were disenchanted about their weapons.

Coming from a very top army personnel, I think this is a good omen and a welcome development as far as this insurgency issue is concerned. It is currently the most topical and current issue being faced in the country at now. As we enter into the New Year there is need for Nigerians to hear more of such good news instead of frightening information that the Boko Haram elements have reportedly either captured some areas or striked at some army formations.

Another good news that came in was to the effect that government has concluded arrangements to procure more sophisticated weapons for use by the soldiers in the ongoing war against terrorism. I think this is a good one. Even if our soldiers have weapons if more are given to them, it will be an added advantage to not only themselves but to the whole country.

As explained earlier by Gen. Biu during the discussion on the Radio programme, continued training of the army as well as giving them more equipment is part of the normal undertakings of the Nigeria army especially when such an army is involved in the fighting of insurgents like the way this country is currently engaged in fighting insurgency now. Such trainings are always being carried out throughout the year in many places within and outside the country for the benefit of the soldiers.

Gen. Biu who was categoric that the troops are in high spirits and have not been complaining contrary to what some people are saying, also thanked the government and the army leadership for their supportive roles. He commended Nigerians and urged for more cooperation and understanding towards bringing to an end the current insurgency activities in the zone since insurgency is not usually concluded in a day or two anywhere it has occured.

Ibrahim Biu sent this from Abuja