The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), on Tuesday ordered troops in the frontline to shoot at sight on any terrorist without waiting for further orders.
Musa said this when he addressed the troops alongside the Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He said the Nigerian military had already deployed new strategies to end the insurgency in the entire North East.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was a sequel to waves of attacks by the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in some communities in the region, especially in Borno State.
Musa said: “You are making tremendous sacrifices.
“Many have lost their lives, and many have been injured.
“While we cannot fully compensate you, be assured that your dedication has not gone unnoticed.
“The President and all Nigerians appreciate your resilience.
“Stay disciplined, focused, and committed to finishing the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Our enemies do not wish us well, and we must remain unwavering.”
Musa also announced that the President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of new aircraft and drones, among others, in order for the troops to perform their tasks without difficulty.
He added: “So, I want to appeal to you, not to get tired.
“Please don’t allow anybody to come and convince you to do anything illegal.
“Whether drugs, ammunition, weapons, you don’t have any business and our business here is to go and look for Brook Haram and kill them.
“Is that clear?
“You don’t have to wait for any order from anybody.
“To find them out is your duty wherever you are deployed.
“You take them down.
“So, I don’t want to hear the aspect of somebody saying he was waiting for any order.
“Victory is temporary; our ultimate goal is everlasting success.
“Nigeria is greater than any challenge, and external negativity will not demoralise us.”
The Minister insisted that with continued focus, new equipment, and international cooperation, the Nigerian military was determined to secure the country and uphold its sovereignty.
He, however, expressed happiness that the Armed forces are performing exceptionally well, saying their sacrifices are profound.
“We have more victories than defeats, and Nigerians should be proud of the resilience and dedication of our armed forces in safeguarding our nation,” Musa said.
The Minister announced that the recent salary increments for the military personnel would be implemented by the Federal Government in the next three months, adding that a three months salary arrears will immediately be paid thereafter.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to continue to support the military and avoid dwelling on their failures, adding: “The sacrifices made by our troops—who leave their families behind and work tirelessly—deserve our recognition and support.
“The story of their bravery must be told accurately, and we must stand united in strength and encouragement.”
Earlier, the Ministers also visited the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Dr. Usman Kadafur, reassuring the state authorities of the Federal Government’s commitments toward restoring peace in the state.
Responding, Kadafur said that the visit of the two ministers was a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s readiness to overhaul security strategies in the fight against insurgency in the North East.
Meanwhile, Musa also inaugurated housing units for military officers at Maimalari Barracks before departing for Abuja.
