President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja from Maiduguri, Borno State, where he ordered the military to eliminate all threats of Boko Haram, declaring that the war against terrorism is “a must win’’.

Buhari gave the order while declaring open the 2018 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.

President Buhari said: “It is a must win war. I want to encourage our troops not to be distracted by speculations but remain focused and committed to the task of eliminating Boko Haram from the surface of the earth.’’

He assured the military that his administration would continue to address their needs in terms of manpower development and equipment supply, promising that their welfare and entitlements will also be improved.

The President commended the efforts and sacrifices of the military in safeguarding the peace, security and territorial integrity of the country.

According to him, the officers and men who are fighting against the curse of terrorism in the North East deserve all the attention the country’s leadership can give them.

“As President of the country, I am determined to ensure that every citizen feels safe and secure in all parts of the country. To achieve this, the security agencies must rise to the challenge and curb threats to security in our country,’’ he added.

President Buhari called on the armed forces to embrace “the wind of change that is blowing across the country,” urging more cooperation at inter-service and inter-agency levels.

“To this end, the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs must work closely together as well as with other security agencies to improve on strategies that will defeat terrorism, militancy and other forms of criminal activities in our country.’ (NAN)

•Buhari at the hospital in Maiduguri to check soldiers injured during Boko Haram attacks