Buratai: Newly Acquired Equipment will Boost War against Terror

Nigeria, Camerounian military thwarts another Boko Haram attempt on Dikwa

Senator Iroegbu Olugbode

Michael

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said the introduction of the newly acquired equipment and platforms in the ongoing Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CT COIN) operation would serve as a force multiplier in the bid to end terrorism in the region.

Buratai stated this in Maiduguri yesterday after inaugurating the newly-acquired Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and inspecting other military hardware including transport vehicles, mine sweepers and 3,000-rounds-per-minute revolver machine guns for onward deployment in the operational theatre.

According to him, the deployment of the new equipment and platform was part of measures adopted by the present administration to boost the capabilities of the military to consolidate its hold on territories recovered from insurgents.

He said: “The acquisition of this platforms remains key in army’s strategic plan restocking its stores with the necessary equipment.

“The UAVs, different kinds of trucks and various calibre of arms and ammunition would be deployed to add extra vigour to the North-east operation,” the army chief said.

Speaking further, Buratai expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the troops especially as troops continue to advance to close down terrorists hideouts in the affected region.

He also said the strong collaboration with a unit of the Camerounian troops was yielding positive results in the war against terror, “leading to the rescue of many persons held captive by the terrorists.”

Buratai also dismissed insinuations that neighbouring countries like Chad and Niger Republics, apart from Cameroun, were not co-operating well in a bid to end the scourge of terrorism in the region.

“The countries affected by the insurgency are cooperating on all fronts... Niger and Nigeria have exchanged liaison officers to help in intelligence sharing,” he noted.

The COAS promised that the Nigerian military remained focused