Army commander urges night operations to end terrorism in Northeast
Army commander urges night operations to end terrorism in Northeast
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Adeloku Eyitayo has urged troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to conduct night operations.
According to him, the night operations coincide with Boko Haram activities in Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region in Borno state.
Eyitayo gave the advice on Monday while taking over from the outgoing GOC, Maj-Gen. Ibrahim Khalifa Abdul at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
He said that all the troops have the knowledge of what is coming “in and out” of the theatre of war.
“You have got the zeal and determination to fight Boko Haram insurgents,” he said, adding that the troops are to stand rugged and fight the enemy.
While tasking the troops at yesterday’s parade, he said: “Who the hell are the terrorists? Why are we wolves? You know the characteristics of a wolf?”
According to him, the characteristics of a wolf are doggedness and boldness in fighting Boko Haram terrorism.
He said that there will be a time when troops are going to reliably end the war that claimed many lives and property.
In his farewell address, Abdul said: “After serving for over 18 months in the Division, I’m being posted to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
“Even though I’ve enjoyed my time here, we had challenges and overcame them.
“The security situation I met on the ground, is not the same as before. Things are much better.” Continuing, he added: “We’re not yet where we were to be, but definitely we were not where we were before.”
He therefore urged the troops to continue to be disciplined, hardworking and courageous.
He also tasked them to take the fight to the enemy, Boko Haram and contest the nights with terrorists.
He disclosed that the Boko Haram terrorists like to move at night.
“You must therefore carry out offensive operations at night,” he said.
He commanded the troops to carry out all ambushes, raids, picketing and other operational activities during night hours.
He said that the new acting GOC, is not new to the theatre, noting that Eyitayo was a staff officer and led the troops in combat.
