Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, yesterday visited Gajigana, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State on assessment of troops location that was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Sunday. While reports said the troops were over-powered and fled, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, insists that only a soldier lost his life. “The location has been reinforced and the troops are now poised for any eventuality,” he said last night.

The Chief of Army Staff was received at Gajigana and conducted round troops’ deployment by the Commander 5 Brigade and the Commanding Officer of 243 Battalion.

Fielding questions from journalists that accompanied him, Gen. Buratai stated that he was there to see things for himself, assess the situation and give necessary directives.

Addressing the Commanders, he expressed dissatisfaction with the troops’ conduct during the Boko Haram attack and warned that such incident should not repeat itself. He also called on the public, especially those residing in the affected area, to support and cooperate with the troops by exposing suspected Boko Haram terrorists that live among them.

Gen. Buratai said that the recent wave of attacks by terrorists in Gulak and Gajigana should be seen as isolated cases that would not be allowed to be repeated as adequate measures are being taken to deal decisively with the any of such occurrences. He also assured that the military and the security agencies would continue to improve their performances. The Army Chief warned troops to be more proactive and alive to their duties as everything is being done to support them.

Gen. Buratai was accompanied by the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Acting Director Military Intelligence and the Acting Provost Marshal (Army). Also on the entourage were representatives of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Police attached to the Military Command and Control Centre.

•photo shows Gen. Buratai addressing troops during a visit to the war front.

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