The military has been explaining the reasons behind the seeming delay in bringing an end to the ongoing insurgency in the north east of Nigeria.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, told Channels Television in an interview that the security forces are operating within the operational limits of conventional warfare.

He said: “The motivation of the Nigerian soldier is based purely, first of all on patriotism and service to fatherland.

“In that case, the motivation here will be different from somebody who is driven by suicide instincts, people who believe they are just there to die for whatever ideology they are holding on to.

“The implication of this is that whatever is motivating us is parallel. We will keep working for our country and protecting our people from those characters that seem to be driven purely by suicide.”

The Defence Spokesperson also reacted to the issues being raised about the quality of weapons available to the soldiers at war with Boko Haram.

His words: “On the issue of weapons, on a constant basis, the needs are being addressed. It’s not as if the needs are not acknowledged, but after being acknowledged the important thing that should interest us is ‘are there efforts ongoing?’ Surely efforts are ongoing.

“Judging who has superior weapons or not is another issue. This is a conventional army that has to fight conventionally. There are weapons to be deployed at personal level; there are weapons that could only be deployed at platoon, company and battalion levels.

“Efforts are on to ensure that these weapons are available and working. Yes at a point they may not be enough because there is wear and tear once there is battle ongoing.”

Olukolade also gave the assurance that the rescue of the Chibok girls remains a key part of their mission.

•Text courtesy of Channels TV. Photo shows Maj.-Gen. Olukolade.

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