President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the troops of operation Lafiya Dole that his administration will do everything possible
within the scarce resources to support the military in its fight against the Boko Haram insurgency and other internal and external security challenges.
The President disclosed this in Maiduguri on Sunday while addressing the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole at the Parade Ground of 212 Battalion, Maimalari cantonment, as part of activities marking the 57th Independent anniversary of the nation.
He said “when we assumed duty, some of the Nigeria territories was under Boko Haram occupation, but with support and commitment all these areas were liberated. The military will continue to remain in the front line until all people are safe wherever they may find themselves”.
“the security of the country is in the hands of God and in your hands and if Nigeria breaks up today the security service will be the first casualty, if the nation didn’t exist, the security will be first to be affected, I, therefore, urge you to continue keeping the nation united”, the President told the troops.
He said, “Those who were making noise about the stability of this country were not born during the civil war to see the quantum of destruction and unnecessarily loss of lives and those not know what it takes to be a nationalist that was why to learn a lesson from the civil war”.
“I am here to celebrate the 57th independence anniversary with you and also to support you and tell you that you are doing a great job, as we have received many recognitions and commendation from international communities. This only honor I will do to you, in appreciation of your job well done”, the President added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin said the visit of the president was a morale booster and also an encouragement to the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, adding that such visit is unprecedented.
The President’s aircraft touched down at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 105 Composite Group, where he was received by the Borno State Governor, other top government officials and the Service Chiefs, including the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Director of Public Relation and Information, of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that President Buhari was airlifted with a NAF Agusta 109 Light Utility Helicopter to the venue of the celebrations in Maimalari Barracks immediately after the brief reception at the NAF Base.
The NAF added colour to the occasion with aerial displays by its aircraft, which are involved in the ongoing counterterrorism operations. The NAF aircraft that participated in the aerial display included 2 x F-7Ni, 4 x Alpha Jet and 2 x L-49ZA. The following NAF helicopters also took part in the display: 2 x Agusta 109 LUH as well as one each of the Mi-35M, Mi-17 and the EC-135.