Military commanders praise Nigerian Army for retaking Baga and its environs from Boko Haram

NIGERAN military commanders have announced that the army have recaptured the town of Baga in Borno State and its surrounding villages which were overrun by Boko Haram over recent weeks.

Within the last month, Boko Haram has enjoyed a lot of success, regrouping and carrying out offensive action against the Nigerian Army. Armed terrorists managed to capture Baga on the border with Chad and also ransacked several military garrisons in Borno State, creating about 10,000 refugees in the process.

Yesterday, however, the chief of army staff Lt General Tukur Buratai, revealed that Baga and the surrounding towns had been recaptured from the terrorists. He hailed the troops for their gallantry in decimating the insurgents, praising what he described as an unprecedented feat that gladdened his heart.

General Buratai said: “I am very delighted to receive the good news of your triumphant entry, clearing of the strategic town of Baga and neutralising the Boko Haram terrorists that tested our might some days back.  Your efforts and open display of gallantry, as well as patriotism that brought about this unprecedented feat, gladdened my heart, all Nigerians and indeed, peace loving people around the world. I am very proud of you all.

“Consequently, I wish to commend the theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General BA Akinroluyo and the commander of the newly created and game-changing Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Major General MG Alli. I would like to enjoin you to consolidate on these gains by continuous pursuit of these criminal terrorists and neutralise them to eternity."

Other commanders he commended include Major General OT Akinjobi,  Brigadier DO Donibo, Brigadier BR Sinjen, Brigadier  MLD Saraso and Colonel AA Idris. Other commanders General Buratai mentioned for special praise include Colonel C Ochimana, Commander GB Osuobeni,  Major LA Balogun and Major MT Nasiru.

He also commended all the gallant officers and soldiers, ratings, airmen and the members of the civilian joint task force that fought tirelessly in liberating all the areas infested by the criminal Boko Haram terrorists. General Buratai consequently approved special packages for the victorious troops.

“You should be more proactive and continue with the clearance operations on any known Boko Haram terrorists hideouts in your respective areas of responsibilities. I have directed for more replenishment and special welfare packages for you all which will be made known by your various commanders.

“I want you to invoke the spirit of courage and bravery that the Nigerian military is noted for, the world over. Victory is very near and definitely, you are the ones that will make it nearer and sweeter," General Buratai added.