Buhari Insists on the Nigerian Troops' 'Technical Victory' Over Boko Haram

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday insisted that the Nigerian military has succeeded in degrading the extremist Boko Haram sect, saying the group “can no longer launch military style attacks as they had done in the past.’’

Mr. Buhari, who spoke at the Inter-Denominational Church Service to mark the 2016 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, also called on Nigerians to build on things that unite rather than divide the country in spite of diverse cultures and religions.

Represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the President said, “The armed forces contribute and represent one of the most patriotic institutions in the land playing a leading role in nation building.

“It diligently attends to their traditional duty of defending and protecting our territorial integrity.

“Their remarkable efforts in particular at this time in combating insurgency in the north-east is greatly appreciated by the Nigerian people

“Boko Haram and insurgency in the north- east has now been degraded militarily; the insurgents no longer hold territory and can no longer launch military style attacks as they had done in the past.’’

He expressed gratitude of the nation to the military, adding “we are confident and we pray that with God on our side, the armed forces of Nigeria will complete the work that they have started.

“They will also in due course continue to render the kind of service that they have rendered to our great nation and even better in the years to come.

“Our armed forces and military have been assisting and will continue to help our communities in the affected areas to recover and resume their normal lives especially in securing their communities, clearing land mines and keeping terrorists out.’’