Army partners with local hunters for anti-terrorism war
Mon Jun 13, 2016 03:33:pm National
2.1K By Buchi Obichie
As the Army continues with its "Operation Lafiya Dole" counter-insurgency war against terrorist elements in the North-East, the GOC of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig General Victor Ezugwu, has been seeking stronger collaboration with local hunters who possess a better understanding of the area's terrains; and who would voluntarily work hand in hand with the Army in some of the remote towns.
Ezugwu disclosed that the operation had suffered some setback with the coming of the rains which rendered some terrains inaccessible to the troops. He said the volunteer hunters would be provided with cartridges for the mission.
"I am very happy the way you are working with the Army here. You should continue because now that the rainy season is here, what these criminals would do is to cease operation but we will want to go after them inside the forest." The GOC told the local vigilante.
Meanwhile, troops in some of the areas have become weary of their continued stay without adequate rotation.
The pride of winning the war and liberating lost territories is gradually giving way to frustration and apathy.
A soldier in Bitta told the GOC, "Soldiers and officers here in the 114 Battalion we feel we are being punished for something we have committed.
"Six hundred of us were brought here but today due to injuries and deaths the number has dropped and we even had to be reinforced."
General Ezugwu who has been on a 3-day operational tour of formations and units within 7 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR), promised to address the issue; reminding the troops that they were winning the war against the terrorists.
Ezugwu disclosed that the operation had suffered some setback with the coming of the rains which rendered some terrains inaccessible to the troops. He said the volunteer hunters would be provided with cartridges for the mission.
"I am very happy the way you are working with the Army here. You should continue because now that the rainy season is here, what these criminals would do is to cease operation but we will want to go after them inside the forest." The GOC told the local vigilante.
Meanwhile, troops in some of the areas have become weary of their continued stay without adequate rotation.
The pride of winning the war and liberating lost territories is gradually giving way to frustration and apathy.
A soldier in Bitta told the GOC, "Soldiers and officers here in the 114 Battalion we feel we are being punished for something we have committed.
"Six hundred of us were brought here but today due to injuries and deaths the number has dropped and we even had to be reinforced."
General Ezugwu who has been on a 3-day operational tour of formations and units within 7 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR), promised to address the issue; reminding the troops that they were winning the war against the terrorists.
Related News
Leave a comment...