Theatre Commander tasks War College on effective counter-insurgency operation in Northeast

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj-Gen. Christopher Musa, has tasked the War College on the effective and efficient counter-terrorism military operations in the Northeast.

According to him, an efficient war strategies could end the fight against Boko Haram insurgency that claimed many lives and property in the region.

Musa gave the task Thursday in Maiduguri, while receiving the course five participants led by the Commandant of the War College, Maj-Gen. Solomon Udounwa at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno state.

“The Army War College should come up with actionable operations plans for the success of the war against the insurgents,” he urged.

He added that the operational visit of officers to the theatre would add value to the ongoing military operations in Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad Basin.

He noted that most of the participants are Lt. Colonels and Colonels who would soon take over leadership as Commanders to implement some of their recommendations to prosecute the ongoing war in the Northeast.

“You should think deep and come up with a model that will stand the test of time,” he declared.

He noted that the ongoing counter-insurgency operation, is an opportunity for officers and men to adopt practical war strategies and enrich their career.

He recalled that while he was Commandant of Military Depot, Zaria between 2015 to 2017, he made recruits to understand that the hard training they undergo was not wickedness but to strengthen their war capacities.

He therefore disclosed that some of them are deployed to the Theater now and they should appreciate the wisdom of the intense training.

“The enemies will not pamper you. They will do everything to make life difficult for you,” he warned.

While commending efforts of troops, he said that the War College should take the latest mass surrendering of terrorists in the region; as their case study and make recommendation on how to handle them.

In his response, the Commandant, Udounwa said they were at the Theatre to see how the college could contribute to the successes of the ongoing military operations.

“The successes so far recorded by the theatre in the fight against insurgency are laudable,” he said, stating that the College has been monitoring development at the theatre command.

Continuing, he said: “We are delighted to see the renewed commitment by officers and soldiers under leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defense Staff and other service Chiefs under whose guidance and support the operation is being conducted.

He assured the War College will continue do everything to support the efforts of the Theatre.