Commander visit troops locations, assured communities of security

Maj.-Gen. Bulama Biu, the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, has visited troops in the front line and restated commitments of the Nigerian Army to end insurgency and secure communities in Borno.
In a statement signed in Maiduguri on Thursday by Col. Ado Isa, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 7 Division, said the commander had on Wednesday visited troops in Mafa, Dikwa, Logomani, Gamboru Ngala and Rann, to build confidence and assess the operational readiness of troops in the 22 Brigade general areas.
Biu, who was also the Commander Sector 1, interacted with community members in Rann Internally Displaced Persons camp, which was attacked by the Boko Haram insurgents.
Ado disclosed that the insurgents had on January 15, attacked the community in about 8 Gun Trucks and several motorcycles, and razed parts of the village, humanitarian organization’s stores, and looted some items.
He added that the commander assured that security would be strengthened in the area and solicited their support by giving information on suspicious movement and activities in their communities.
The commander, therefore, called on the people to be vigilante and go about their normal activities.
The statement disclosed that the commanding officer also met with troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force, deployed at Gamboru Ngala, where he appreciated their commitments in the fight against insurgency.
Biu tasked them to maintain the existing synergy with the Nigerien troops deployed along the border in order to deny the insurgents freedom of operation in the area.
While addressing troops of 3 Battalion Bravo Company deployed to the area, Biu applauded their resilience and doggedness in the fight against the insurgents.
He said: “While fighting to hold ground and neutralizing two suicide bombers, killed three insurgents and others escaped with gunshot wounds, it is a sign of professional competence, commitment and sacrifice to humanity and to the nation.
“You have performed remarkably well, I urge you to maintain high standard of alertness, vigilance, remain firm and steadfast through proactive conduct of clearance and confidence building patrols in order to dominate the general area.
“And most importantly by taking the fight to the insurgents’ enclaves, regretting that three soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice.”
According to the statement, Biu who was in company of the Theater Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maj.-Gen. Benson Akinroluyo, replenished the troops with additional ammunition, uniforms, fragmentary jackets and other logistics, to boost their morale.
Biu further reiterated the commitments of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to the troops’ safety and welfare.
The commanding officer was accompanied on the visit by Formation Commanders and Principal Staff Officers in the Headquarters Theater Command and 7 Division.