Boko Haram, threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty - Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has charged men of the Nigerian Army to take up the counter-terrorism fight against the Boko Haram terror sect in the North East as a battle to defend the sovereignty of the nation.

Buratai said in a statement he personally signed on Friday that the Boko Haram insurgency was a threat to the sovereignty of the country and must be dealt with decively.

He stated that the military, which remained the symbol of the nation’s existence, was also under threat.

Buratai said the ability of the Nigerian military to defeat the insurgents in the next few months would determine the future of the country.

The Army chief added, “The next few days will be crucial to Op Lafiya Dole. It is also crucial to our country Nigeria. Our sovereignty as a nation is threatened.

“The Nigerian Army and indeed the military as the symbol of our nationhood is being challenged. 

“Our ability to stand and defeat the Boko Haram terrorists in the next few weeks will determine the future of our country.”

He said the Army, with a better training than the insurgents, could not afford to lose the campaign against the insurgents.

Buratai reminded the troops of the support of the country and President Muhammadu Buhari, insisting that the job to rid the country of insurgents must be done.

“We cannot afford to lose the fight. We are better trained and better equipped.

“The whole nation is behind us. Mr President is with us. Let us remain steadfast in this noble cause. Be courageous. We must degrade and defeat the terrorists. This job must be done. We must make our country men and women proud,” he added.