The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya is to engage retired military personnel to fight Boko Haram terrorism in the Northeast.
The 13-year insurgency has also killed over 35, 000 people with $9.3 billion (N3.42 trillion) property destroyed in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
According to Yahaya, the engagement of military retirees was to complement the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) troops end the war and restore peace.
Yahaya, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division and Commander, Sector 1 OPHK, Maj-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; disclosed this at the sendoff dinner for discharged officers held at the Maimalari Officers’ Mess, Maiduguri.
“We’re to re-engage the most qualified and competent discharged or retired military personnel to complement efforts of troops restore peace in the North East and country at large,” he said.
He therefore, urged the retirees not to rest on their oars, but to continue support the military in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations including kidnappings and banditry across the country.
The Theatre Commander, OPHK, Maj-Gen. Christopher, urged the discharged five officers to take advantage of Yahaya’s various welfare schemes of the retirees.
He said: “There is an ongoing process to re-engage some of you. You must be qualified to complement the efforts of our troops to restore peace in the Northeast and the country at large.”
He also acknowledged their sacrifices and resilience in the course of defending the country, particularly the fight against terrorism in the region.
The special guest of honour, Maj-Gen. Bulama Biu (rtd), also charged the retirees to shun all attitudes that could jeopardize the integrity of the Nigerian Army while operating in their host communities.
“It’s a great honour and privilege to see my friends and fighters who were all in the battle field together for two years; before I left the Maiduguri theatre command,” he noted.
Besides, he added that he was glad to celebrate together with the gallant troops who have retired from active service, but not tired.
“They have contributed immeasurably towards the restoration of peace in the country, and the north east in particular,” he added.
He, therefore commended the CoAS for ensuring the welfare of staff, particularly the retired ones and his humble self.
According to him, the retirees are to integrate into the larger society, after going through the rudiments of discipline and values with perseverance.
He urged the retirees to remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army while pursuing their dreams.
Responding, the discharged officers, including Cols. Yakubu Hassan and Mohammed Akilu expressed their unalloyed support to the military to end the war.
