1. The attention of Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE
has been drawn to some issues in the online Sahara Reporters of 24 June 2016
with a story line on the allegation that the COAS and his wives own some
properties in Dubai. The report among other vicious and smear campaign issues,
impugned that some ‘concerned officers and soldiers in the North East’
allegedly wrote a petition on the state of affairs in the Operation LAFIYA
DOLE. What a baseless, unfounded and wicked insinuation! It is for this reason
that I call you today to clear issues as they affect Operation LAFIYA DOLE. The
other issue regarding property in Dubai is outside my purview, but has been
responded to appropriately by the Acting Director Army Public Relations.
2. For the avoidance of doubt, the Chief of Army Staff
(COAS), Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai, since assumption of office, has taken the
affairs of Op LAFIYA DOLE to a level that showed unparalleled commitment to the
operational effectiveness and good welfare of troops. For example, between
January till now, the COAS has provided various quantities of ammunition types,
vehicles and other equipment in the Theatre. He has equally provided uniforms
and boots for all the troops in Op LAFIYA DOLE. The payment of allowances and
other requirements have been regular and in most cases, up-front. The COAS’
regular visits to the frontline are well known to all. The aggregate impact of
the efforts is the huge operational successes being recorded in the Theatre.
The morale of troops has equally risen to a level that was never witnessed in
the past.
3. The report further imputed that the motorcycles inducted
into Op LAFIYA DOLE and employed by the Motorcycle Battalion, were used and
refurbished. What a sad tale of lies! When a report of that nature was received
earlier, the COAS instituted a high-powered investigation by Military Police.
The findings of the investigation team revealed that the motorcycles were brand
new and were delivered in crates as knocked-down-parts. The technicians who
fixed some of them, failed to tighten some knots firmly which was later
rectified. Ever since, the motorcycles have proven useful in various
operations.
4. The Motorcycle Battalion comprises trained
counter-terrorist personnel, skilled in the use of motorcycles to enhance the
capability of own forces to patrol, block routes, picket and pursue any
remnants of the BHTs who usually use motorcycles in terrains where four-wheel
vehicles cannot manouver. So, this has proved successful in the last major
major Operation CRACK DOWN which has practically brought to an end the
activities of the BHTs particularly along Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu and
Damaturu-Buni Yadi Biu roads, which were opened to the public earlier in the
year.
5. I consider this publication as part of the concerted,
organised terrorist strategy to distract our winning spirit in the war against
BHT. We will not lose traction. That is our resolve. All officers and soldiers
in Op LAFIYA DOLE are committed and dogged in this resolve.
6. I call on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially those
who reside in the North East, being the direct beneficiaries of the great gains
made by troops of Op LAFIYA DOLE under the firm direction of COAS, Lt Gen TY
Buratai, to condemn this siege on their conscience. I call you to condemn this
callous and irresponsible act. The publication is an attack on the good efforts
by the troops of Op LAFIYA DOLE. It should be resisted in its entirety and with
the endowments at our disposal.
7. On that note, let me thank the general public and other
stakeholders for the huge support rendered to Op LAFIYA DOLE. We remain
committed to our mandates and would not be distracted by whatever means.
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