By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has tasked troops of Operation Hadin Kai, to remain resolute and deal decisively with the Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists within their area of operations.
Gen. Musa gave the charge on Tuesday when he led Service Chiefs on a two day operational visit to Theater Command Headquarters, Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Speaking to newsmen immediately after a closed door meeting with the Theater Commander, senior officers, and formation commanders, the CDS said, ” I am in Maiduguri for the first time since I assumed office as the CDS on Operational visit leading other service chiefs to boost the morale of the troops fighting the counter insurgency war”.
“I am also here to listen to the commanders and troops pros and challenges if any with a view to address them and ensure they discharge their responsibilities effectively, professionally and morally to meet up with the operational mandate in safeguarding and protecting the integrity and sovereignty of the nation, ” Musa said.
He also assured the troops both wounded and those in active service that he will prioritize their welfares and ensure regular promotion of officers and soldiers.
He also charged them to continue to be loyal and law abiding to the constitution and military laws while discharging their duties, noting that the president is mindful of the activities of the Nigerian military and gives high priority to its operations across the country.
Earlier at the Shehu of Borno’s palace, the CDS expressed his appreciation to the royal father and other traditional rulers for their counselling, guidance, support and assistance as well as cooperation and prayers during military operations across the state and region.
CDS Christopher Musa during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, His Eminence, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Ibn Umar Garbai El Kanemi
Responding, the Shehu of Borno, His Eminence, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai I bn Umar Garbai El Kanemi thanked the CDS for his visit and recognition he gave to the traditional institution as a sign of respect and honour.
He also appreciated the efforts and sacrifices of the military in returning peace and stability to the state and beyond, stressing that, “without your efforts and sacrifices, today there wouldn’t have been Borno and we wouldn’t have been alive today to witness all these changes and developments”.
“You really played a great role and supported your people to ensure peace prevails and even the insurgents surrendering . Congratulations on your well deserved elevation as the new CDS from the Theater Command headquarters to Commander Nigerian Army College Jaji,” Garbai said.
Later in the day after addressing the troops, the CDS was at the Government House Maiduguri to pay a courtesy visit on Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to condole the government and people of Borno over the demise of about four notable and elder statesmen.
The CDS told the governor also that he was on Operational Visit to the theater command Headquarters to acquaint himself with the operational issues, problems on ground with a view to address them and also to motivate the troops and further boost their morale.
He also assured continuous working relationship with the state government, security stakeholders and community leaders to end the insurgency and return peace permanently to the state while appreciating all the support and assistance of the state government to the military and other security agencies in the peace Restoration process.
In his remark, Governor Zulum appreciated the CDS operational and condolence vista while congratulating the CDS for his new appointment and prayed God to continue to guide and protect him as well give him the wisdom, strength and foresight to steer the affairs of the Nigerian Defense Headquarters.
Zulum further assured continuous support to the security agencies in their efforts to restore lasting peace in the state, stressing that “without peace, there wouldn’t be any meaningful development anywhere”.
He further thanked the CDS, Service Chiefs as well as other security agencies for their efforts and sacrifices to ensure peace return to the state and Lake Chad region.
He said the efforts of the military has informed the resettling of IDP to their ancestral lands and the gradual return of socio-economic activity in different parts of the state.
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