Boko Haram: Army Chief Advocates Change Of Strategy, Launches New Operational Code

BEVERLY HILLS, July 19, (THEWILL) – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Tukur Buratai, Sunday, advocated a change of strategy in the ongoing war against terrorism in the country, saying this is key to the success of the lingering battle.

Buratai added his voice to the clamour as he continued his tour of the military formations in the Northeast.

Buratai also renamed the operational code for the counter-terrorism war from Zaman Lafiya (Living in Peace) to Lafiya Dole (Peace a Must), saying the Boko Haram war must be won with respect for human rights and rules of engagement.

While launching the new operational code at the 103 battalion Konduga, Yobe State, Buratai pleaded with the troops and other security agencies as well as the general public to collaborate with one another to end not only the Boko Haram menace but all other criminal activities in the region as well.

Speaking at the occasion, the Army chief said: “The ongoing activities of Boko Haram is assuming an alarming dimensions in Borno and other parts of the North east, we will not tolerate the killing of citizens and destruction of property, in as much as we urged you (troops) to adhere strictly to human rights, the time to crush Boko Haram and other criminal activities in this country is now or never.

“As Chief of Army Staff, I will be actively involved in this ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ to end the madness of Boko Haram, if I will have your collective maximum support and cooperation.”

“My doors will always remain open to all of you for constructive criticism and advices towards restoration of peace in this part of the country.

“Therefore, we are here to identify with you and to officially inform you that as from today henceforth, we have changed our Operational Code from Operation Zaman Lafiya to ‘ Operation Lafiya Dole.”‘