Commander tasks elevated officers to overcome security challenges in Northeast
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
The Theatre Commander, North-East Taskforce, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj-Gen. Wahidi Shuaibu has tasked the 22 promoted officers to overcome security challenges in the Northeast.
According to him, the 15-year Boko Haram insurgency, has claimed about 47, 000 lives with the destruction of $9.2 billion (N14.72 trillion) property in the region. The General gave the task, over the weekend, in Maiduguri, while decorating 22 promoted military officers, comprising seven Brigadier Generals, a Navy Commodore, and 14 Lieutenant Colonels.
“Your decorations to the higher ranks in the Nigerian Armed Forces were based on your performance in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
“You’re to adopt military professionalism, by overcoming the security challenges to protect life and property in the terrorism-affected states,” he charged.
Lamenting the country’s security challenges, Shuaibu, said: “The security challenges in the country are too much that should be overcomed by all of you,” noting that even in the Northeast, there are pockets of security challenges that should be dealt with.
He said the North-Central, South-East, and the Niger Delta, are, however, calmer than Northeast and Northwest regions of the country.
He, therefore, charged the promoted military officers to contribute their quotas in overcoming the security challenges in two regions.
“You must thrive to develop yourselves in the two affected regions of the country,” ordered Shuaibu.
While earning the promoted colonels, he said: “You still have something to do, before you come to front row. You need to prepare yourself adequately for the Defence College in the next two years,” warning that failure to meet the professional requirements for promotion could lead to their stagnation in the Army.
Besides the requirements for promotions, he said: “Your elevations to the higher ranks is call for duty, by thriving to see what benefits the system,” urging them to thank their family members while they are in the front lines of Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region.
Governor Babagana Zulum congratulated the promoted military officers, and wished them the best in their future endeavours.
Zulum, represented by the Government House, Permanent Secretary, Mustapha Busurma, assured the military of continued support in the fight against insurgency.
He also thanked the military for their sacrifices in restoring peace in the state and region.
Speaking on behalf of the decorated officers, Brig-Gen. Alamin Ibrahim, assured that they will not relent in their efforts in overcoming the security challenges in the country.
He, therefore, thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt-Hen. Olufeme Oluyede, for finding them worthy for elevations, as well as colleagues, family members and friends for their support in the counter-terrorism operations.
