Minimah Expresses Optimism On War Against Boko Haram

SAN FRANCISCO, February 25, (THEWILL) – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah, Wednesday, expressed optimism that the army would rout the Boko Haram insurgents and recover all lost territories before the March 28 election.

Minimah expressed the hope in Baga town in Kukawa Local Government of Borno State which the army had just liberated from Boko Haram.

The army chief, who was in the town to encourage the Nigerian troops for their gallantly so far, said he was impressed‎ with what they have achieved, stressing that President Goodluck Jonathan as well as Nigerians are proud of them.

According to Minimah, “My visit here is on confidence building and to inform you that ‎the entire Nigerians are singing your praises for your courage and urge you to you keep up the tempo.

“You have made Nigerians proud. From today, it is never again for insurgents to take hold of any of our territory. Today, it is going to be victory all the way because the war is almost ended. From here we move to retake Gwoza, Marte and Madagali. With this, there is going to be no more Boko Haram; the slogan is 'never again' and even the President shares in this slogan”.

He also announced to the admiration of the troops that every soldier that participated in the liberation of Baga will enjoy an instant promotion to the next rank.

“As a way of commending your courage and patriotism, every soldier that participated in the Baga operation, whether dead or alive has been promoted to the ‎next rank,” he said.

He also assured that the displaced residents of the reclaimed communities can still go back home to vote during the general elections.

After his visit to Baga, Minimah, in a chat with newsmen in Maiduguri, said: “It is achievable to end the Boko Haram activities very soon because we are still within the six weeks frame work. But we should not see the six weeks as a must-accomplish time; this is war and we will try and do whatever possible to liberate more areas so that displaced citizens can go and resettle and possibly vote during the elections”.

According to Minimah, “Whatever is possible, we will do, but the six weeks should not be taken as if it must be accomplished. But we will try as much as possible to liberate the areas under the Boko Haram.”