The Federal Government has promised to provide the necessary equipment to pursue the war against Boko Haram in the northeast to an end.
Minister of Defense, Bashir Magashi, who led service Chiefs on a visit to Maiduguri, theatre of a military operation against Boko Haram, on Sunday assured troops of government readiness to provide a needed platform and recruit more soldiers to boost the counter-insurgency war.
“Very soon, we will embark on the recruitment of more soldiers and officers so that we can improve the manpower of our Armed Forces. We will bring new equipment which will enable you to be more proficient and effective in this assignment,” he told troops at the Theatre Command Headquarters.
While answering questions from newsmen, the minister said he was in Maiduguri with the service chiefs to assess “the fighting spirit” of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.
“I have already directed that all their problems should be put in pen and paper for onward transmission to my office. We will provide them with the required equipment to end this war,”
he stressed.
He commended the troops for their dedication and high spirit even as he urged them to remain committed to the operation.
“Let me begin by thanking you all for the work you have been doing.
“The job you have been doing is highly appreciated by our Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, President Muhammadu Buhari and he said we should come here and talk to you to continue with the effort,”
Magashi said.
The minister who noted the injuries and loss of lives by some personnel in the course of the assignment assured that their losses would not be in vain.
He observed that the Nigerian military has distinguished itself in various operations across the world and that of the insurgency would not be different.
The minister was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt Gen. Lucky Irabor; Chiefs of Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Borno has experienced an upsurge in Boko Haram attacks in recent times. No fewer than five attacks have been reported in about two weeks
