Boko Haram is Band of Criminal using Propaganda against Military- Buratai in Seasonal Message

Boko Haram is Band of Criminal using Propaganda against Military- Buratai in Seasonal Message

It is with utmost humility and gratitude to the Almighty that I send this goodwill message to officers, soldiers and indeed the Nigerian Army family on the Christmas and New Year Celebrations. Let me use this opportunity to commend the efforts and sacrifices of our gallant officers and men currently engaged in the counter insurgency operations in the North East and other operations across the country and abroad.

I congratulate you for your bravery, doggedness and loyalty in these endeavours. I want to urge you all to maintain the momentum and remain steadfast as we continue to professionally and responsively carry out our constitutional roles.

On my part, I would continue to ensure that troops’ welfare and that of their families, remains my utmost priority.

As you are all aware, the election period is by the corner, hence I am admonishing you to continue to remain apolitical and dedicated to your assigned roles.

Let me use this medium to reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to your welfare with the requisite support for us to perform our duties.

Also, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged his total support to the Armed Forces to bring all ongoing operations to logical conclusion.

This festive season heralds peace as well as a time for merriment, sober reflection and introspection. I enjoin us all to continue to pray to the Almighty God for the repose of the souls of our fallen comrades and for peace in our nation.

We will not renege on our promise to cater for the wellbeing of the families of our brave fallen heroes.

I urge all our troops in the Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East to be very wary of Boko Haram Terrorists increasing misinformation and propaganda.

It is evident that, you have defeated the Boko Haram Terrorists. Thus, they have now resorted to employing propaganda in order to demoralise you by spreading false messages of strength and invincibility. It is pertinent for troops to understand that Boko Haram Terrorists are nothing but a band of criminals. Therefore, you must all brace up to clear and flush out their remnants. We have superior training, fire power and experience.

We have a history of successes on the battlefield both at home and abroad. This must be reflected in all our operations. I thank you all for the good job you have done in 2018 and look forward to us making greater progress in 2019.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tukur Y BURATAI
Lieutenant General
Chief of Army Staff