The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi has made a rallying call to Nigerian soldiers to find Boko Haram terrorists and bring them to their knees despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime’s repeated claims that it had defeated the recalcitrant terrorist group.

He also commended Operation Lafiya Dole’s troops in the North-East, saying Mr Buhari appreciates their performance.

Mr Magashi made the commendation on Sunday while addressing the troops at the headquarters of the Theatre Command in Maiduguri.

“Let me begin by thanking you all for the work you have been doing.

“The job you have been doing is highly appreciated by our Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, and he said we should come here and talk to you to continue with the effort,” Mr Magashi noted.

The minister, who noted the injuries and loss of soldiers’ lives, assured the soldiers that the loss would not be in vain.

He observed that the Nigerian military had distinguished itself in various operations across the world, and that of the insurgency would not be different.

“You are doing your best, and we recognise that. You have already been baptised. All you need to do is to find the enemy and bring him to his knees.

“We have the resources, the equipment to improve your standard and training to be able to do this good job,” he stated.

Mr Magashi added, “We will continue to improve on your welfare and allowances and all what is due to you.

“Very soon, we will embark on (the) recruitment of other soldiers and officers so that we can improve the manpower of our armed forces.

“Your commanders will brief you on further details of what we discussed with them.”

The defence minister, who also spoke to journalists on his visit to assess the troops’ fighting spirit, urged journalists to report about the military in a patriotic manner.

The minister’s entourage included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ishiaka Amao.

The minister and his team also visited injured soldiers at 7 Division Hospital.

(NAN)