Photo: Gen Lucky Irabor, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff.
Nigerian military says 94,655 B/Haram terrorists surrender to troops
No fewer than 94,655 members of the Boko Haram terrorist group have surrendered to troops to date, following intense military operations in Northeastern Nigeria, the Nigerian military claims.
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North EastT) Operation HADIN KAI Major Gen IS Ali, disclosed this on the occasion of the Combined Chief of Army and Chief of Air Staff Sallah Luncheon held in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital on Saturday.
Gen. Ali explained that the military operations had compelled the terrorists to surrender in droves, and assured that the armed forces would not be complacent to avoid a reversal of the gains already made.
According to him, the military will continue to be more decisive and intensify its “strangulation strategy” against the terrorists, which encompasses both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts.
The Theatre Commander noted that the event afforded both service chiefs the opportunity to appreciate the huge sacrifices by troops in restoring peace and normalcy to the entire Northeast region.
He thanked the service chiefs for their “very visible” concern for troops welfare in the operation tagged Operation HADIN KAI.
He said, “It has indeed spurred us to strive for more successes. We are indebted to your many visits to the Theatre, which have come with definite benefits to the Theatre in terms of heightened troops morale, equipment support and provision of strategic guidance for operational activities.”
Gen Ali also lauded officers and men of Operation HADIN KAI troops, who sustained injuries in the course of the operations and were currently undergoing treatment at military hospitals.
“We commend you for your gallantry and patriotism. Please be rest assured that the service chiefs have made and would continue to make adequate provision for your treatment in order to ensure your speedy and full recovery,” he added.
Periscope International reports that the annual event is organized to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr festival with troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
Borno State Governor, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, who was represented, Theatre Commander, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Zonal Director, NTA, were among the many dignitaries who attended the event.
