Army Chief assures Yobe Govt of commitment to security following attack on troops

COAS Assures Yobe Govt of Commitment to Security Following Attack on Troops of 149BN

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reassured the Yobe State Government of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to addressing security challenges in the state.

Oluyede gave the assurance on Sunday during a visit to Gov. Mai Mala Buni in Damaturu as part of his operational tour of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation HADIN KAI.

The COAS pledged that troops in Yobe State would receive the necessary support to carry out their mandate of protecting lives and property.

He commended the state government and its residents for their continuous support for the military’s operations in the region.

In his remarks, Gov. Buni expressed gratitude for the Army Chief’s visit and called for intensified efforts to decisively address the security situation in the state.

The governor also pledged his administration’s continued support for the Nigerian Army, acknowledging the sacrifices of soldiers who lost their lives in the fight against insurgency.

“We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Army and pray for the repose of the souls of our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace in our state,” Buni said.

Earlier, while addressing troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Oluyede commended their resilience and commitment in the face of adversity.

He assured the troops of improved welfare, enhanced accommodation for their families, better combat enablers, and effective kitting to boost their operational effectiveness.

The Army Chief urged the soldiers to sustain their efforts to defeat the adversaries of the nation.

“I commend your doggedness and resilience. Do not relent until we bring these adversaries to their knees,” Oluyede said.

At the Theatre Command headquarters, the COAS received operational briefings and commended the officers and soldiers for their dedication. He reiterated his commitment to providing the needed resources for their success.

Update on Troop Losses in Timbuktu Triangle

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of 22 soldiers, including Lt.-Col. T.E. Alari, the Commanding Officer of the 149 Battalion, following a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack by ISWAP insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred during Operation Desert Sanity IV, a mission aimed at dislodging terrorists from their enclaves in the region.

Despite the casualties, the Army disclosed that over 60 terrorists were neutralized during the week-long operation, with several weapons and motorcycles recovered.

The Army also dismissed reports of a dislodged military base in Malam Fatori, Yobe State, describing them as false and misleading.

“It is pertinent to set the records straight that there was no terrorist activity at Malam Fatori leading to casualties on own troops, as widely circulated in some media outlets. The only recorded incident occurred in the Timbuktu Triangle,” the statement read.