Defence minister, military Chiefs spends Christmas with troops

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Dan-Ali and the military chiefs celebrated Christmas with the troops in the North East. At the Christmas lunch, the minister assured the soldiers that the federal government is committed to providing all they need to win the battle as soon as possible.

"While your welfare needs are being addressed, I urge you to continue to adhere to all the rules of engagement in your operations,” he said.

But he urged them to respect the rights of people in your host communities as “all your actions and inactions will be accounted for.”

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin commended the sacrifice of the soldiers and applauded their patriotism.

“We are gradually moving into 2016, therefore, we must not rest on our oars to win the war.

“As we move into 2016 I want to enjoin you to be more determined to reclaim all lost territories, that is the charge and demand on all of you as we enter the New Year.

“On our part we will do our best to ensure that all logistics and welfare required to prosecute the war to a logical conclusion were provided,” the Defence Chief said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, thanked the defence minister for his presence, saying that the gesture will go a long way in motivating the troop. He also congratulated the soldiers for their efforts so far.

“The security situation has greatly improved and I want to congratulate the troops for a job well done.

“We are entering the New Year and I believe that we will start winding down to conclude the operation,’’ he said.