Get ready for major onslaught against terrorists, army chief tells troops

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged troops to prepare for a decisive offensive in the North-East, describing the next phase of the counter-insurgency as crucial to ending the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Addressing personnel of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri on Friday, Shaibu said the military was entering a make-or-break stage in its long battle against terrorism and that there was no room for failure.

“You have been training to defeat the terrorists that have been disturbing the North-East. This time, you are going to do it differently. All combat enablers have been provided. New platforms have been introduced, all to ensure that you succeed,” he said.

The army chief emphasized that the success of this campaign rests with the current generation of soldiers, charging them to surpass the achievements of their predecessors who had fought in previous national and international missions.

He reminded the troops that the responsibility of delivering a final, decisive blow to Boko Haram and ISWAP lies squarely on their shoulders. His message carried a renewed sense of urgency and determination that rippled through the ranks.

The North-East has witnessed a worrisome resurgence, as remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP exploit porous borders and difficult terrain to regroup around the Lake Chad area, despite sustained military pressure.