By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
The new General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Biu, has given the dreaded Boko Haram just one condition: Lay down their arms or be forced to comply.
Biu, who was recently elevated to the rank of Major General, told journalists in Maiduguri on his return from Abuja, on Tuesday evening, where he was decorated with his new rank that now is the time for Boko Haram to lay down their arms or be forced by the military to do same because the military wants to end this war.
He said the insurgents should save face and surrender now or face an imminent calamity.
Biu, who was given accelerated promotion by President Muhammadu Buhari for extraordinary feats, commitments and exemplary leadership in counter-insurgency operations, said: “I am committed more than ever before and I do realize the speed, urgency and the desire for us to quickly complete the remaining business.”
He
appreciated the support that greeted his elevation both from the military and
civil population, stressing that he knew “this kind of promotion was borne out
of some efforts done in
fighting Boko Haram insurgency.”
He said the only way for Boko Haram to be in the party is to lay down their arms.
He said: “Now, I must also speak to the Boko Haram insurgents. I want them to celebrate me, and the only way they will celebrate me, the few of them that are still marauding within the space (theatre of war) should lay down their arms, as quickly as possible.”
He added that: “I will then have a great sense of fulfillment. But when some of them so decide not to do so, I must say I have returned to Maiduguri; re-invigorated and prepared to follow them up.”
He said the insurgents should lay down their arms quietly and unconditionally for a better society.
He warned them that the military will go after the terrorists that have remained adamant, he stressed that: “We will continue to go after them greater than we have done before.”
He said he was happy that the members of the public have come to realize that this war is not about Boko Haram and military alone,” they have come to know that: “It is a war against the Nigerian state.”
He asked the citizenry, irrespective of their work of life, to continue to team up with the military and see the back of insurgents.