According to him “The report among
other vicious and smear campaign issues, impugned that some `concerned officers
and soldiers in the North East’ allegedly wrote a petition on the state of
affairs in the Operation Lafiya Dole,’’ Irabor described the reports as
baseless, unfounded and wicked insinuation. “What a baseless, unfounded and
wicked insinuation, it is for this reason that I call you today to clear issues
as they affect Operation Lafiya Dole. “The other issue regarding property in
Dubai is outside my purview, but has been responded to appropriately by the
Acting Director Army Public Relations.
“The COAS, since assumption of office, has
taken the affairs of Operation Lafiya Dole to a level that showed unparalleled
commitment to the operational effectiveness and good welfare of troops. “For
example, since January 2016 till now, the COAS has provided various quantities
of ammunition types, vehicles and other equipment in the Theatre. “He has
equally provided uniforms and boots for all the troops in Operation Lafiya
Dole, ‘’ He said that COAS had also ensured regular payment of allowances and
other personnel entitlements since assumption of office. “The payment of
allowances and other requirements have been regular and in most cases,
up-front. The COAS’ regular visits to the front line are well known to all.
“The aggregate impact of the efforts is the huge operational successes being
recorded in the Theatre. “The morale of troops has equally risen to a level
that was never witnessed in the past,” Irabor said.
He also faulted claims that the
motorcycles supplied to the Motorcycle Battalion in the Operation Lafiya Dole
were used and refurbished. The online report according to him further imputed
that the motorcycles inducted into Operation Lafiya Dole and employed by the
Motorcycle Battalion, were used and refurbished. “What a sad tale of lies, when
a report of that nature was received earlier, the COAS instituted a
high-powered investigation by Military Police. “The findings of the
investigation team revealed that the motorcycles were brand new and were
delivered in crates as knocked-down-parts. “The technicians who fixed some of
them, failed to tighten some knots firmly which was later rectified. Ever
since, the motorcycles have proven useful in various operations,” Irabor said.
He noted that the Motorcycle Battalion comprised of trained counter-terrorist
personnel, skilled in the use of motorcycles. According to him, the motorcycles
are to enhance the capability of own forces to patrol, block routes, picket and
pursue any remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists. This, he said had proved
successful in the last major Operation Crackdown which practically ended the
activities of the terrorists, particularly along Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu and
Damaturu-Buni Yadi Biu roads, opened to the public earlier in the year.
Irabor, however, described the
publication as concerted strategy to distract the army from the anti Boko Haram
war. “I call on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially those who reside in the
North East, being the direct beneficiaries of the great gains made by troops of
Operation Lafiya Dole under the firm direction of the COAS, to condemn this siege
on their conscience,” he said.
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