Buratai Celebrates Christmas With Nigerian Troops in Gwoza, Shehu of Borno Urges Urges Continued Prayer for Peace

The Chief of Army  Staff, COAS, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai Wednesday celebrated 2017 Christmas with the Nigerian troops at the war front in Gwoza town of Gwoza LGA of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, the former Caliphate of the Boko  Haram Militants in 2014.
The COAS  visit was part of the  efforts of the Nigerian Army to boost the morale of soldiers at the war front following the liberation of Gwoza town which was hitherto the acclaimed headquarters of the caliphate of Boko Haram terrorists.
The event took place at the headquarters of 26 Task Force Brigade Nigerian Army Gwoza and 195 battalion Pulka all in Gwoza local Govt area of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.
Buratai said he decided to celebrate the 2017 Christmas with them to boost their morale and encourage them finish the war while appealing to them to conduct themselves professionally at the warfront by changing their strategies hence the enemies were also changing their style of attacks.
He stressed that the Nigerian military can not allow the boko Haram terrorists to continue to launch attacks on the innocent civilians and watch the enemies threaten national security, pointing out that, the Nigerian army must stand firm to protect the integrity of the country and ensure peace prevails all over  the country.
“It is a duty we must perform and we have  sworn to perform. We must be driven and  seen to be professionals and  doing the job professionally towards achieving the mission and vision of the Nigerian army holistically,” Buratai said.
The Chief of Army staff was represented by the Chief of Administration,  Army Headquarters Abuja,  Major General Ibrahim Alkali  and accompanied by the Theatre Commander,  Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Rogers Nicholas, GOC 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Maiduguri,  Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf and Brigadier General  Nguru.
Others include Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly,, Dr. Asabe vilita Bashir, House of Representatives Member representing, Damboa, Gwoza and Chibok Federal Constituency, Borno State House of Assembly representing Gwoza LGC and Gwoza LGC Secretary  among others.
The Theater Commander urged the troops to be more committed and professionals in the discharge of their duties while assuring them that the Nigerian army and federal government will always support them.
He also noted that the senior officers of the theater command and governments will continue to support and encourage them as well ensure their salaries and allowances were regularly paid in boost their morale to put their best in the fight to end the insurgency.
The Theater Commander also appreciated the efforts and high spirit of the soldiers in the fight against the insurgents.
In another development, the Shehu of Borno, HRH, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Ibn Umar El Kaneni has called for continuous prayers for lasting peace in Borno State, North East and Nigeria as a whole.

He also acknowledged the role played by the Borno State Islamic Scholars in the state towards the restoration of peace in Borno and North East Sub region which has been ravaged by the Bioko Haram insurgency.
The Shehu of Borno stated this today when the Borno State Islamic Scholars led by the Chief Imam of University of Maiduguri, Sheikh Imam Ali Gapchia paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, HRH, Alhaji Abubakar Garbia Ibn Umar El Kanemi  in his palace.
The royal father assured the Islamic scholars the continuous support and cooperation of the traditional rulers in the state while urging the religious leaders to be more committed and dedicated to their social responsibility of educating, enlightening, guiding and counselling  their followers for peace to reign permanently.
He also appealed to the Islamic scholars to continue to pray for peace in the state, north east and whole country at large while thanking them for the visit and describing it as timely as the year comes to an end.
Earlier, the Leader of the Islamic Scholars, Sheikh Ali Gapchia said the scholars highly appreciated the support and cooperation  of the royal father, especially his advisory role in the activities of the Islamic scholars across the state.
He noted that without the support and cooperation of the traditional council, the preaching and teaching job of the Islamic scholars could not  have been successful.
Gapchia however pledged on behalf of the scholars  to continue to impress on their subjects and followers to be religious and remained  upright as well as disciplined  in the conduct of their life.
He also assured that the Islamic scholars will not hesitate to continue to preach the gospel to the youths and women to shun all vices by being law abiding and good citizens as well as obey constituted authorities in the society.

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