Insurgents panic as COAS visits troops in Borno

*After Tinubu’s morale-boosting trip

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede on Monday led a team of senior army officers to Maiduguri, headquarters of the 7th Infantry Division of the Nigerian Army, to assess the state of military formations and to inspire troops.

The Army chief’s visit, which came barely two days after President Bola Tinubu paid a surprise visit to troops on the frontline in Katsina state, has sparked fears in the ranks of the terrorists, and caused them to flee towards Lake Chad, military sources said.

Addressing troops of the 7th Brigade of the Nigerian Army at the weekend in Katsina, the President charged them to intensify efforts and speedily end terrorism and banditry in the country.

“My dear soldiers, this is a defining moment in our history. The threats of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency have persisted for too long. Nigerians are counting on us and you to end this menace and reclaim every inch of our territory,” charged the president.

“The fight you are waging here in Katsina and across the country is not just a battle for territory; it is a battle for the soul of Nigeria. Nigeria depends on you, and I am with you today, tomorrow, and always. Stay strong. Stay focused,” he tasked.

The President acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by the soldiers.
“You have left behind your families and the comforts of civilian life to wear the uniform of honor and duty. You face danger not for wealth or recognition, but for the love of our dear country. That, my brothers and sisters in uniform, is the highest form of patriotism. You are the silent guardians of our democracy, and I salute you,” he lauded the troops.

“Taking a cue from the president’s charge to the military, General Oluyede, as a responsive COAS, the Chiefs of Training, and of Operations, as well as his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), on Monday morning arrived in Maiduguri and were received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Abubakar Haruna.

“After the normal military protocols, the GOC led Chief (COAS) on a tour of facilities in the division’s headquarters, as well as brief him on some of the logistical challenges faced by his officers and men,. As we speak (Tuesday evening) they were still there developing strategies,” offered an officer in the Division’s headquarters.

The army had after some operational setbacks and pockets of complaints by political and traditional leaders in Borno state a few weeks ago,
initiated tactical changes in its operations in the affected areas.

The changes affected the Theatre Commander for North East Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State and the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

A retired Army Brigadier- General, while commending the trip by the army chief, told The Authority that intelligence reports showed that most of insurgents have abandoned their positions and fled towards the shores of Lake Chad.
“The insurgents also have their intelligence network. They began abandoning their hitherto strongholds and relocating the moment they heard of the strategic changes the army chief initiated. He has appointed sharp, bright and tested officers who have a point to prove to man key positions. You’ll soon begin to see the results.

“I’m also happy Chief (COAS) allowed the new army spokesperson (Lt. Col. Apollonia Onyinyechi Anele), the first woman to hold such position in the history of the Nigerian army, on the trip. Even though the new acting director is not new to the workings of army public relations, I am, however, sure that this trip would help her better understand the current operations and challenges of our officers and men,” declared the retired officer.