In order to meet up with the renewed strategy of clearing the
remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, the Nigerian Army
yesterday February 29, inducted a combat motorbike
battalion at the Headquarters of 25 Task Force Brigade,
Damboa, Borno State. The Nigerian Army also launched the
second set of 100 wanted suspected Boko Haram terrorists
at the occasion.The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant
General Tukur Yusufu Buratai while inducting the unit stated
that the essence of the battalion is to open and secure
motorways from various towns to and fro Maiduguri and
other parts of Yobe State.
Prior to the induction and launching ceremony, the Chief of
Army Staff took time off to see and address troops located
at Delwa and Bulabulin before arriving Damboa. On arrival, he
inspected a Quarter guard at the Brigade's headquarters.
Thereafter, he was briefed by the Brigade Commander,
Brigadier General Lawrence Adeleke Araba and then showed
him some weapons, vehicles and Improvised Explosive
Devices (IEDs) making machines and equipment the
formation recovered when they cleared Boko Haram
terrorists camps at Talala and Ajingin recently.
Earlier, the Commander, 7 Division Garrison, Colonel Solomon
Babatunde Kumapayi also showed the COAS vehicles,
weapons and Improvised Explosives Making Devices (IEDs)
his formation recovered from the terrorists at Kotokuma on
Friday.
Inducting the combat motorbike unit, the Chief of Army Staff
stated that the battalion will serve as a force multiplier in the
clearance operations of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.
He stated further that with the induction of the unit, troops
presence will be available along the roads thus keeping the
roads open and safe.
A visibly elated Secretary of National Union of Road
Transport Workers (NURTW), Borno State, Alhaji Ahmadu
Musa showered encomiums on the COAS and the Nigerian
Army for their sacrifices and the initiative that would
enhance safety and security on the roads. He promised the
continuous support of his organization to the Army towards
the mopping up of the remnants of the Boko Haram
terrorists. He further assured the COAS that they will display
and distribute the banner containing the photographs of the
wanted suspected Boko Haram terrorists to all their
branches and other chapters.
The COAS also visited 254 Task Force Battalion, Sabon Gari
located along Damboa-Biu road where addressed the troops.