By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri-
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Ibrahim Attahiru has given 48 hours ultimatum to the Nigerian soldiers deployed to theater Command, Operation Lafiya Dole’ to recapture Marte LGA of Borno state which was recently attacked and taken over by Boko Haram terrorists on Friday.
He also directed the troops to clear Kirenowa, kirta, Wulgo, Chikingudo adjoining communities of Marte and Ngala LGAs in the state from Boko Haram insurgents.
General Attahiru who gave the ultimatum on Sunday while addressing troops of the Nigerian Army Super Camp 9, Dikwa, Borno State also said that: “areas around Marte, Chikingudu, Wulgo kirenowa and kirta must be cleared in the next 48 hours”.
“You should be rest assured of all support you required in this very onerous task. I have just spoken to the Theater Commander, and the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, you must not let this nation down. Go back and do the needful and I will be right behind you”.
“You are aware of the recent attack on Dikwa and Marte, you should not allow this to happen again, go after them and clear these bastards”, Attahiru said.
The COAS while appreciating the efforts of the troops in the fight against Boko Haram, said: “I am here to deliver the greetings of Mr President and Commander In Chief of the Armed forces, Muhammadu Buahri.”
“I have spoken with your Commanders, we are going to provide you with the equipment and weapons you need to end this war”.
“We are also going to address the issue of over stay in the theater. No more issue of over stay”, Ibrahim said.
Also addressing the residents of Dikwa and IDPs who fled from New Marte and Marte town as well as other villages during the latest attacks and invasion of Marte LGA to Dikwa town, COAS said: “I want to assure you that we are going to protect you, not only that we are going to clear Marte, Kireenuwa, Wulgo, Kirta and their environs. What we need from you is your cooperation and prayers”.
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