Boko Haram: Buhari gives Service Chiefs 3-month ultimatum

President Muhammadu Buhari has given Service Chiefs three months to end insurgency, militancy, armed robbery, kidnappings and other crimes.

He also warned the Service Chiefs, who were appointed on July 13, with the Senate confirming their appointments on August 4, not to joke with the welfare of troops as well as making weapons available to them ‎to end Boko Haram terrorism and other crimes.

He spoke while decorating the Service Chiefs yesterday.  Those decorated are Lt-Gen Abayomi Olonishakin (Chief of Defence Staff), Lt. General T.Y. Buratai (Chief of Army Staff), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff) and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff).

Buhari gave the charge after being joined by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the officers spouses to decorate the Service Chiefs with their new ranks inside the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He stressed the fact that the officers were appointed based on their excellent military recorded and pedigree as first class senior officers with sterling leadership qualities, charging them to get down to with immediate effect

Buhari said: “You are all aware of the various security challenges facing our nation. These challenges include the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, armed banditry, kidnapping and militancy of various forms, to mention a few.

“The activities of these misguided groups and individuals have resulted in wanton destruction of lives and property of our citizens as a disruption of social economic lives of millions of Nigerians.

“The increasing incidence of attacks and destruction perpetrated by these insurgents have led to the deployment of various instruments of national power in a bid to contain their activities and restoring law and order in every part of the country.

“Rightly, the Armed Forces have been in the vanguard of the fight against terrorism.

“While commending the efforts of the Armed Forces so far, you need to brace up and continue to team up with other stakeholders to come up with a well-coordinated joint effort which will bring a desired end to these insurgencies within three months.”

Buhari also charged the service chiefs to be accountable for all men and equipment placed under their command.

While asking them to make their troops’ welfare uppermost priority mind, Buhari said the military officers must take care of their men and make available what is due to them.

The President stressed  on the need for the resources available to be judiciously used as they strive to end  the current security challenges. Buhari said on his part, his government was ready to give the military the needed resources to achieve the feat.

The President said: “You will recall that I have been to several countries with the sole aim of canvassing for global support to eliminate terrorism from Nigeria.

“These efforts, which include establishment of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), should be complemented by you. You should therefore re-professionalise your force and give your troops creditable training so that they can perform their job creditably,” he said.

Gen. Olonishakin, in his remarks, thanked God and Buhari for the honour done the new service chiefs.  He assured that they were prepared and committed to justify the confidence reposed in them by their appointments.