Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 stated that overcoming the threat of Boko Haram insurgency can be achieved before the rescheduled elections are to begin on Saturday, March 28, 2015.
Minimah made the assertion in Baga Town, Kukawa local Government Area of Borno State when he gave a pep talk to Nigerian troops, expressing his pleasure over the recent victories achieved by the sect.
Minimah said: “It is achievable to end the Boko Haram activities very soon because we are still within the six weeks time frame. But we should not see the six weeks as a must-accomplished time. This is war and we will try and do whatever is possible to liberate more areas so that displaced citizens can go and resettle and possibly vote during the elections.
“Whatever is possible we will do, but the six weeks should not be taken as if it must be accomplished. But we will try as much as possible to liberate the areas under the Boko Haram control.
“My visit here is on confidence-building and to inform you that Nigerians are singing your praises for your courage and urge you to keep up the tempo. You have made Nigerians proud. From today, it is never again for insurgents to take hold of any of our territory. Today, it is going to be victory all the way because the war is almost ended. From here we move to retake Gwoza, Marte and Madagali. With this, there is going to be no more Boko Haram; the slogan is ‘never again’ and even the President shares in this slogan.
“As a way of commending your courage and patriotism, every soldier that participated in the Baga operation, whether dead or alive has been promoted to the next rank.”
Minimah was later taken round the town, where he inspected some of the weapons recovered from the insurgents.
