BY ABDULLAHI ISAH, MAIDUGURI
The new Theater Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Hassan Umaru, has said that the fight against Boko Haram insurgency is not for the military alone but for all Nigerians.
General Umaru, who stated this at his maiden press briefing held at the Lafiya Dole Media center Maiduguri explained that Nigeria is one and belongs to all of us, hence the need for all Nigerians, particularly the media to support the military in this herculean task.
He said the Nigerian Army should highly be appreciated by all Nigerians, as they have liberated almost all the local government areas occupied by the Boko Haram terrorists in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, despite some operational hitches.
“The Treasury Single Account and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) have affected institutions, organization and even the military, as operational funds, salaries and allowances were not released on time but I appeal to the military to be patient and not be deceived by misguided elements,” General Umaru explained.
He therefore called on the media to enlighten Nigerians to support and cooperate with the military, so that they will successfully root out insurgents in the North East and Nigeria at large.
Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding, (GOC) 7 Division, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu urged journalists to consider national interest first in their reportage, as the media are stakeholders in the war against terrorists.
Brigadier General Ezugwu stated that the country has undergone many problems, as some disgruntled elements have tried to divide the country but with the support of the media the problems are surmountable and Nigeria by the Grace of God will continue to be one.
He said what the country is going through is temporary, as all the developed countries have gone through the problems we are facing and urged journalists to always cross-check their facts before going to press, as the military is always available for clarification on critical issues, especially attacks and the number of casualties.
In his contributions, the deputy theater commander, Major General Irabor said the military is determined to completely wipe out the insurgents and called for the continuous support of the media.
