The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai, has commended troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for their sacrifices, commitment, loyalty and courage in the service of their fatherland.

In a goodwill message to the troops on Sunday, the Army Chief called on the troops and their Commanders to immediately begin to embark on the final aggressive action and comprehensive sweep of the operational theatre with a view to ending the operation on a very high note, stressing that no stone should be left unturned.

“I therefore call on all officers and soldiers to buckle up and ensure that remnants of Boko Haram terrorists are completely cleared,” he said.

He promised to be at the theatre of operation, sometime this month to motivate and positively influence the ongoing operations, with a view to having a colourful end of year and peaceful Yuletide in the North East and indeed Nigeria.

Buratai urged all commanders to plan and embark on effective patrols, raids, ambushes and deliberate attacks in conjunction with other Services especially the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy to rescue all those abducted by the terrorists.

Buratai also reminded all troops that captured and surrendered Boko Haram terrorists must be treated humanely and fairly and in strict compliance with the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and Laws of Armed Conflict.

“In doing so, we must be prepared to enter all fortresses, camps, dens and enclaves of the Boko Haram to completely flush them out and dominate these areas to ensure they are not reoccupied,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff reiterated that December is a month of decision, stressing: “It is either we succeed in clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists or we continue to live in perpetual circle of their atrocities in the North East. I hereby want to reassure all troops that I intend to return everybody back to Barracks in 2017 only leaving behind a strong, highly mobile, effective and motivated force that will continue to do the good work that we have already started. In this regard we shall also bring reassurances to the populace as normalcy finally returns to the area.

“I consequently, call on all troops to remain focused, disciplined, loyal, dedicated and patriotic to their duties and to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

•Photo shows Gen. Buratai.