Army: Media Attacks on Buratai, an Organised Strategy to Stall War on Terror
Abubakar: Nigerian military to locate and destroy Boko Haram radio
in Abuja The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Leo Irabor, has described the recent allegations against the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and his two wives, as a calculated attempt to derail the ongoing successes against Boko Haram terrorists in parts of the North-east.
Irabor in a statement yesterday, described as baseless and wicked, the report by the online media about a purported petition by some officers and soldiers concerning the state of operations in the North-east.
“The attention of Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole has been drawn to some issues in the online publication of 24 June 2016 with a story line on the allegation that the COAS and his wives own some properties in Dubai.
“The report among other smear campaign issues, impugned that some ‘concerned officers and soldiers in the North East’ allegedly wrote a petition on the state of affairs in the Operation Lafiya Dole. What a baseless, unfounded and wicked insinuation! It is for this reason that I call you today to clear issues as they affect Operation Lafiya Dole. The other issue regarding property in Dubai is outside my purview, but has been responded to appropriately by the Acting Director Army Public Relations,” he stated.
For the avoidance of doubt, he said, Buratai has since assumption of office, taken the affairs of counter-terrorism operations to a level that showed unparalleled commitment to the operational effectiveness and good welfare of troops.
The Commander recalled that between January till now, the CoAS has provided various quantities of ammunition types, vehicles and other equipment in the Theatre.
He further stated: “He has equally provided uniforms and boots for all the troops in Operation Lafiya Dole. The payment of allowances and other requirements have been regular and in most cases, upfront.
“The CoAS’ regular visits to the frontline are well known to all. The aggregate impact of the efforts is the huge operational successes being recorded in the Theatre. The morale of troops has equally risen to a level that was never witnessed in the past.
“The report further imputed that the motorcycles inducted into Operation Lafiya Dole and employed by the Motorcycle Battalion, were used and refurbished. What a sad tale of lies! When a report of that nature was received earlier, the CoAS instituted a high-powered investigation by Military Police.
“The findings of the investigation team revealed that the motorcycles were brand new and were delivered in crates as knocked-down-parts. The technicians who fixed some of them, failed to tighten some knots firmly which was later rectified. Ever since, the motorcycles have proven useful in various operations.”