General Christopher Musa emphasizes proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts.

In a resolute address to troops at the Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, rallied the Nigerian Army to root out Boko Haram insurgents as the nation advances in its campaign against insurgency in the North-East.

General Musa fervently directed Operation Hadin Kai personnel to locate and neutralize Boko Haram threats before they target civilians. He stressed the imperative of every Soldier actively engaging the enemy, asserting that a true soldier is one who has confronted and overcome at least one Boko Haram adversary in the theatre.

He admonished, "Don’t merely occupy space in the theatre, seek out Boko Haram and eliminate them. A deployment without engaging the enemy is incomplete."

The CDS underscored that the initiative lies with the troops, emphasizing, "They should not be hunting us, we should be pursuing them. Don’t wait until they strike; proactively seek and eliminate them."

During his visit, General Musa extended gratitude to the troops for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices. He urged them to maintain the pressure on the insurgents, expressing confidence that the region would soon witness an end to the insurgency.

Addressing plans for the troops, General Musa revealed that both the Army and Defence Headquarters have established a commendation system to recognize exceptional performance. He clarified that this system is not solely punitive, but also aims to uphold and celebrate exemplary conduct.

However, he issued a stern warning, cautioning that severe consequences await any soldier found involved in illicit arms trading. Furthermore, the defence chief outlined ongoing efforts to ensure no soldier remains in the theatre of operation in the North-East for more than two years.