Nigerian Military Begins Acquisition Of New Equipment To Defeat Boko Haram

Following the unabated acts of terrorism being perpetrated by the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram, in the northeastern states of Nigeria, the Nigerian military has revealed that its acquiring new equipment to wage war against the insurgents.

According to the Chief of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah, the Nigerian soldiers are currently undergoing more training to face Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the country.

Speaking at the inter-denominational church service held at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, on Sunday, 6 July, 2014, Minimah, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the military would put an end to terrorism in Nigeria, and canvassed collective support for the fight.

The Lieutenant General said: “We are going through troubled times, but they will soon come to an end, and we shall be glad at the end. I promise you it will come to an end and we will be victorious.

* Nigeria's Chief Of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah

* Nigeria’s Chief Of Army Staff, Kenneth Minimah

“The war against terrorism is a collective effort of all Nigerians and I appeal to all Nigerians to join hands in fighting this new war of terrorism.”

While thanking Nigerians for their perseverance despite a deadly spell of terror by extremist group, Boko Haram, the Army boss said: “I also appeal to them (Nigerians) that terrorism is a new warfare.

“It requires time and patience for us to defeat it.

“I am very much optimistic that we will deliver. We will win the war. “What we have in the North-east will certainly come to an end soon.

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 “Our job is to continue to protect and preserve the unity of this country and making it stable for prosperity.

“Our job is also to uphold our constitutional role, which is to defend the country’s territorial integrity from insurgency and external aggression, and provide aid to civil authority. That, we will continue to do.”

Minimah cited the Niger-Delta, Abia and Benue States as examples of places where there had been crisis but which the Nigerian military was able to ensure that peace returned to the places.

He said the army would prevail over insurgents as it used to be in the past, saying the army was already acquiring new equipment, training its personnel and providing welfare for the troops, all in a bid to end terrorism.

The Nigerian Army, which celebrated its 151 years of existence last week, was established in 1863.

However, the name Nigerian Army was first used 100 years later when Nigeria became a republic in 1963. 

Since 2009, the Boko Haram sect is reported to have killed over 4,000 people in terror attacks across Nigeria.

The militant group and its leader, Abubakar Shekau were few days ago blacklisted by the UN.

Sources: Naij.com news, ThisDay