By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
The military said it will not stop the ongoing bombardment of Boko Haram enclaves in the North-East until the dissidents raise the white flag and indicate their readiness to dialogue, the head of the military counter-insurgency operation in the North–East, Maj. Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi has said.
Speaking to newly promoted Major Generals in the North-East theatre of operation, Adeniyi said they should take the war seriously more than before to the enclave of Boko Haram, and desist from reducing from propensity of attacks until the insurgents get the message and surrender.
He said the war has gone on for so long and the insurgents need to be told that they do not have a hiding place and the only option from total annihilation is the roundtable.
The general who led the decoration of the newly promoted 13 major generals in the North-East theatre of operation (Operation Lafiya Dole), told the promoted officers to redouble their efforts and take the fight to Boko Haram terrorists and restore peace in Borno and Northeast.
He however asked them to fear God in the course of the counter-terrorism operations and respect officers and men under them.
Adeniyi while admitting that promotion comes from God alone , assured those that missed the current promotion that their time would come.
He said:” As you are now promoted to Brigadier Generals and have joined the league of big boys, fear God in your dealings with Nigerians, demonstrate fear of God and let people see it. Show empathy to others who have not been privileged in life. Be humble to your subordinates and the entire society.
” When I took over command, I promised to take the fight to the Boko Haram terrorists and I thank you for helping me to take the fight to the criminals. So it is a good thing that the enemies are losing,” he said.
He charged the decorated officers to go to their various commands and brigades and heat up the terrorists for a lasting peace in the state and region.
Early in his remark, the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and commander sector ( 1 ) of Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdul-Khalifah Ibrahim, urged the officers to take full charge of the areas they have been assigned.
He said: “By your ranks, some of you might be given brogades and commands. When you find yourself there , work with honour. There might be days when Soldiers under you will capture Boko Haram or ammunition, and when they don’t, never apportion blame.
” I hope and wish you will make all the Soldiers working under you to do great things for the country,”Brigadier General Ibrahim charged them.