Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida has expressed delight over the successful operations of Nigeria’s military personnel in the Sambisa Forest and the capture of the last Boko Haram strong hold.
“It is a sign of relief, that the Military has finally smoked out Boko Haram terrorists from their notorious enclave of Sambisa Forest,” said Babangida in a statement by his media office.
General Babangida also saluted the courage and determination of President Muhammadu Buhari, the army chiefs as well as armed men and women and other security personnel for their sacrifice for the painful liberation of Sambisa Forest and adjoining abode of Boko Haram.
“May I rejoice with the government and Nigerians on the successful dislodging of Boko Haram from their base in Sambisa.” he said.
With the successful takeover of the sambisa forest, Babangida expressed hoped that very soon the remaining Chibok girls will be located and reunite with their families.
He reaffirmed his earlier stand that, ” President Muhammadu Buhari and the Military are capable of crushing any challenge of the territorial integrity of Nigeria”.
Babangida also pay tributes to all fallen heroes for paying a supreme sacrifice in their efforts of keeping the nation from aggression, saying “the Labour of our heroes past, shall never been in vain”.
The former president urged the military to unveil a new strategy of further defeating pockets of insurgents/terrorists, armed bandits and cattle rustlers all over the country.
Alson the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello described the capture of Camp Zero, Sambisa Forest which was the last stronghold of Boko Haram, as a global achievement made possible by the political will of President Muhammadu Buhari and the commitment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Bello said the destruction of Sambisa Forest is a clear and strong message to all criminal elements in the country of the capacity, willingness of the Armed Forces and other security agencies as well as the political will of Mr President in securing every inch of Nigeria.
In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the governor said the destruction of CAMP ZERO was an indication that with the right leadership, temperament, conducive environment and political will, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies are capable of defeating any criminal elements operating within the country.
The Governor commended the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Airforce for their determination, commitment and bravery.
“I commend the effort of the Army, Airforce and all the security agencies involved in the operation that led to final liberation of the dreaded Sambisa Forest. Above all, I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his political will in seeing to the end of Boko Haram,” he said.
The governor called on security agencies to work together in ensuring that all ‘Camp zeros’ are cleared in Nigeria.
“Camp Zero in Sambisa Forest is a metaphorical representation of other enclaves of criminal elements in the country such as armed robbers, kidnappers, cattle rustlers among others. I urge security agencies to work together in identifying and destroying such strongholds,” he added.
