The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has issued a 30-day ultimatum to troops of the Nigerian Army to reclaim communities in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, as well as the Kainji forest in Niger State, from the grip of bandits and insurgents.
Oluyede gave the marching order on Wednesday while addressing officers at the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The army chief’s directive comes on the heels of recent attacks in the region. On April 21, suspected terrorists reportedly invaded Kaiama and Baruten LGAs, leaving no fewer than seven persons dead.
According to the army chief, the operation must be swift and decisive, warning that the military would not tolerate the spread of insurgency from the North-East to the North-Central region.
“In the next one month, I don’t want to see any one of the insurgents in our borders again,” Oluyede said.
“All of you have promised to fight and recover whatever the insurgents might have taken from the country, and I believe you will keep the promise.”
He stressed the importance of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, adding that no part of Nigeria should fall into the hands of criminals.
Oluyede also ordered the troops to fish out terrorists operating within Borgu in the Kainji forest, insisting that the Nigerian Army must take back control of all occupied areas.
“I want you to restore sanity to the areas in just one month, so that you can return home to your families. That means you have to be committed, dedicated and serious,” he said.
The army chief assured the troops of improved welfare, including better feeding, educational and medical facilities. He expressed hope that soldiers’ children would grow up to become professionals such as doctors and engineers.
“I know you can do it. Make sure those people leave that place as soon as possible before they turn the place into their base,” he said.
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