Buhari orders service chiefs to wipe out Boko Haram in 3 months

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday decorated and swore in the newly appointed service chiefs, giving them three months marching order to end the Boko Haram menace facing the country.

The decorated service chiefs, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin – Chief of Defence Staff; Lt-General T.Y. Buratai – Chief of Army Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Chief of Naval Staff and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff, were appointed on July 13 and confirmed by the Senate on August 4.

Buhari who was joined by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, shortly after decorating the service chiefs, charged them to brace up and face the challenges before them and put the sufferings of Nigerians, resulting from the activities of the Boko Haram to an end.

He charged them to ensure that the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, armed banditry, kidnapping, militancy of various kinds are phased out within this period.

“The activities of these misguided groups and individuals have resulted in wanton destruction of lives and properties of our citizens as a disruption of social economic lives of millions of Nigerians”.

Commending the efforts of the armed forces so far, the president said “you need to brace up and continue to team up with other stakeholders to come up with a well coordinated joint effort which will bring a desired end to these insurgencies within three months”.

He also charged them to be accountable for both the men and equipment placed under their command, in the course of carrying out their assignment.

“Your troops’ welfare must be uppermost in your mind, take care of them and make available what is due to them”, he told the service chiefs, adding that concerted efforts must also be made to make judicious use of resources that are available to them while searching for solutions to these challenges”.

He said government will on its own support them by giving the needed resources to achieve this feat.

Recalling that he had been to several countries for the purpose of canvassing for global support to eliminate terrorism from Nigeria, the president further charged them to guide on already made efforts by re-professionalising the force and giving creditable training to troops so that they can perform their jobs creditably.

“You should also ensure that they abide with the newly enforced rules and relations of international standards while carrying out their assigned tasks. In particular you must protect innocent civilians and respect the rights of combatants”, he said, adding that “this no doubt will attract the support of local communities and the respect of our allies and support of international community. Get back to work and make Nigerians proud”.

Buhari reiterated that their appointment which was based on their pedigree as first class senior officers who identify sterling leadership qualities. “Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that all of you are equal to the task ahead of you. You must acquaint yourselves and justify the honour done to you”.