Brigadier-General-Sani-Kukasheka-Usman
Nigerian Army Confirms
Brigadier-General-Sani-Kukasheka-Usman
Nigerian Army Confirms Boko Haram’s Use of Drones and
Foreign Fighters
In continuation with our resolve to keep Nigerians well informed
of the activities of the Nigerian Army, I will be briefing you on
the recent happenings in the North East of Nigeria.
In the recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East
of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of
attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists.
Specifically, the Nigerian Army troops deployed at KUKAWA,
NGOSHE, KARETO and GAJIRAM came under attack at different times
within a 2 week period from 2 – 17th November 2018. Each of these
incidents were successfully repelled and several members of the
terrorists were killed. However, a total of 16 personnel were
killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers were
wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military
medical facilities.
As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the
Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters
in N’djamena, in the Republic of Chad. One of the Nigerian
battalions (157 TF Bn), deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF
was attacked at their Base on the outskirts of a town called METELE
on 18th November 2018.
During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and
several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were
killed in action and 31 personnel were wounded in action and have
been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State. The
Nigerian Army commiserates with the MNJTF at this difficult time
and wishes to state that all necessary support will be rendered to
the MNJTF to reverse this resurgence of the Boko Haram
Terrorists.
The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate with the
families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme
price in the course of defending their fatherland. The sacrifices
of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. We also wish all those
wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued
support and care.
The incident of 18th November 2018, happened at a time when the
Nigerian Army was planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual
Conference for 2018 in Benin City, Edo State. On account of this
incident, the Conference had to be moved from Benin City to
Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the
troops on the ground and to better appraise our activities, assess
our performance and identify our shortcomings as an Army.
We are also sensitive to the fact that the nation is approaching
an election year and thus we must be prepared to assist in
providing security for the peaceful conduct of elections.
Accordingly, the theme for this year’s annual conference is aptly
titled, “Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army
Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria”.
Let me at this juncture assure all Nigerians and indeed the
international community that the NA will work optimally, in
conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure
environment for peace and unity in Nigeria.
Since 2015, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister
services and other security agencies have systematically degraded
the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many
successes were achieved. However, in the last 2 – 3 months, we have
noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones
against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in
their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review
our operations.
At this point permit me to implore all of us to spare a thought
for the brave men and women of the Nigerian Army who paid the
supreme price for the security of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army will
continue to support the families of these brave officers and
soldiers and pray that their souls rest in perfect peace. Let us
also not forget the men, women and children who have been killed or
affected by the atrocities of the terrorists. It is for their sake
that this war against terror must be won.
The Nigerian Army wishes to express its gratitude to the
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic
of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) who has visited the
troops including some of the wounded officers and soldiers in the
hospitals. We also thank His Excellency the Executive Governor and
good people of Borno State who have taken the brunt of the
nefarious activities of the Boko Haram terrorists. Our gratitude
also goes to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of
Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, who have all shown concern
and visited the troops. The Nigerian Army also thanks all patriotic
and concerned Nigerians who have sent in messages of goodwill and
support for the Nigerian Army.
Finally, the Nigerian Army, wishes to reiterate and pledge its
total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria. We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the
commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs.
We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and
responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles.
SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
for Chief of Army Staff
28th November 2018