GOC lauds soldiers for gallantry in the fight against insurgency

By YAKUBU UBA

The Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Maiduguri, Brig.- Gen. Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim, has lauded soldiers of 192 Battalion for their outstanding performance in the fight against insurgents

Ibrahim, who is also the Sector 1 Commander of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole, made the commendation on Monday in Maiduguri, at the de-induction of 55 soldiers of the battalion who have been fighting Boko Haram in Gwoza LGA for the past five years.

“Honestly you boys did very well in your mission area and that’s why I decided that I should honour you,” Ibrahim said

He said that the soldiers stood their ground in Gwoza and as they were leaving, Boko Haram launched attacks on Sunday night in Gwoza, Pulka and Bita towns but were dealt with decisively by other soldiers left behind.

“No single soldier was injured. It’s a thing to be proud of,” Ibrahim said at a luncheon organised to honour the soldiers.

The GOC urged them to remain committed and discipline as they leave the war zone to re-unite with their respective families and other members of the public.

He said that after having some rest, the soldiers would go on course to improve their professionalism and chances of promotion.

“You have been away for long from your families, be very patient with them as you have not been around for long so one or two thing will be missing.

“When you go back, the way you will interact with the civil populace is different from what you have been doing fighting Boko Haram.

“You must comport yourself. We don’t want you to go and start fighting people because you just returned from North east.

“As a soldier, you are to defend the public,” Ibrahim said.

Responding on behalf of the soldiers, a Master Warrant Officer, simply identified as Olarenwaju, thanked God for seeing them through a successful assignment and lauded the GOC for honouring them.

“We feel proud for your words of encouragement and feel like we should go back to action,” Olarenwaju said.

He reiterated their commitment and loyalty to continue to serve and defend the nations’ integrity. (NAN)