MAIDUGURI—Following his declaration last week that his command of the Nigerian Army and strategy to deal with the Boko Haram terrorism menace will be pursued by action rather than talking, Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai has renamed the code name for the war on terror from “Operation Zaman Lafiya” to “Operation Lafiya Dole” signaling his determination to attain peace by force in the North East.
General Buratai who was addressing troops at the 103 Battalion headquarters located in Konduga, Borno State, warned that he would not tolerate any act of indiscipline or cowardice from any soldier. He also exhorted Commanders to be more proactive and respond promptly to distress calls.
COAS’s vision
Towards this end, the COAS informed the troops of his vision and the resolve to end the activities of Boko Haram terrorists and assured them of the Federal Government’s support, adding that all necessary equipment and facilities would be provided to actualize the defeat of the insurgency.
A statement in this regard signed by Colonel Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, read; “As part of the efforts to rejig and add renewed vigour to the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country especially in the North East, the Nigerian Army has decided to rename the Operation Zaman Lafiya” to “Operation Lafiya Dole” which mean “Peace by Force.”
“The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major General Tukur Yusufu Buratai made this known at 103 Battalion of Nigerian Army based in Konduga, Borno State at the weekend.
“The COAS had hit the ground running shortly after taking over the command of the Army by travelling to the northeast to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr prayers with troops in the frontlines.
“During the Sallah period he visited quite a number of units and troops, interacted with them and personally assessed the operations himself.
“The COAS also used the occasions to inform the troops of his vision and the resolve to end the activities of Boko Haram terrorists.
“He also assured them of the Federal Government’s support and that all necessary equipment and facilities would be provided to actualize the defeat of the insurgency.
“He commended them for their resilience, bravery and dedication and enjoined them to take the initiative and be more proactive.
“He charged that troops should do more by pursuing and destroying Boko Haram terrorists within the bound of Rules of Engagement.
“In line with his vision, some of the identified challenges in the frontline were proactively addressed through specific directives.
“During the visit he also took meals with the troops and paid courtesy calls on the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Shehu of Borno and the Deputy Governor of Borno State during which he stated his mission and also thanked them for their support to the troops.”
Continuing, Usman said: “Based on the new thinking, the code name “Operation Lafiya Dole” which means “Peace by Force” is to send a strong and final warning signal to the terrorists that they cannot derail the wheel of peace in the north east or any part of Nigeria.
“He assured people of Yobe, entire northeast and Nigeria of the determination of the Nigerian army to successfully end the Boko Haram terrorists’ activities.
Fraudsters using COAS’s name on Facebook
Meanwhile the Army authorities have disclosed that fraudsters are using the Chief of Army Staff’s name on Facebook.
In a statement, the army said: “It has come to our knowledge that some unscrupulous and criminal elements have started using the name of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major General T.Y. Buratai through Facebook platform requesting for friendship, extort and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.”
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