By Dauda R Pam
Operation Lafiya Dole, Theater Commander,Major Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi,has solicited for the support and cooperation of Borno people, particularly, Borno elders,over a statement made by the state Governor,Prof.Babagana Umara ZULUM,berating military operations in the state.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with BORNO elders,held at the Officers Mess Maimalari Cantonment MAIDUGURI,the Theatre commander condemned the manner,the governor made some political statements against the Nigerian Army operations,despite their efforts and sacrifices in providing security to the state and north east region.
According to him, the Nigerian army are equal stakeholders in the Nigerian project irrespective of the fact that they are in uniform,the Nigerian Army also have feelings and concerns over what is happening hopping that, with the support and cooperation of the people of Borno and their elders as well as all religious and ethnic organisations to fight the insurgency to it’s logical end
He expressed profound appreciation to the elders, stressing that as experienced people who have passed different stages of life and played significant roles in the society,he urged them to continue to pray for peace, unity and stability of the state and country at large.
He used the forum to disclose that, “there is a change in the mode or system of operations which was not disclosed to the people earlier where the military decided not to continue to be in the trenches and wait till boko haram insurgents come to attack them.
“Today we have a new strategy like the Americans, we are on mobility. Soldiers will now be on wheel patrolling, moving from one place to the other, village to village, towns to towns on daily surveillance 24 hours.
“While other super force are tracing the hideouts of the boko Haram insurgents on intelligence to response to distress calls and emergencies apart from the response team”.
On the change in mode of operations,he appealed to them to exercise restrain and be patient with Nigerian Army as it restrategizes its operations, describing, the alleged withdrawal of soldiers as false and unfounded.
Responding, Alhaji Asheik Jarma,former Governor of Borno State,led the 16-man elders forum,expressed appreciated operation Lafiya dole and commended the military for their sacrifices and bravery.
He said as elders, “there is need for prayers and we will continue to pray for peace, unity and stability of the state and country at large while assuring their full support and cooperation to the military over the insurgency.
Ends.
