Buratai Hails Operation Lafiya Dole Team Despite Failure To Capture Shekau

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has lauded the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, his Sector Commanders and all troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

Lieutenant Buratai applause came at the expiration of the ultimatum to capture the Boko Haram terrorist’s leader, Abubakar Shekau dead or alive within 40 days.

The 40 days ultimatum which began from 21st July 2017 elapsed on 30th August 2017.

According to a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Buratai hailed them for pursuing the directive to capture Shekau with zeal.

Usman said: “Although the leader has not been captured, the COAS noted with satisfaction the zeal and determination with which the directive was pursued.

“He congratulated the Commander for eliminating 5 key leaders of the terrorists group that were the closest associates and right hand men of the terrorist’s group leader. 

“Within the same period 82 of the Boko Haram terrorists were eliminated. Therefore, the Commander was very close to achieving the directive.”

Haven failed for the given 40 days, the Theatre Commander has asked for the extension of the deadline and it has been granted by the COAS. 

Usman explained that “given deadlines and extensions are strategic means of focusing troops’ efforts in the theatre.

“Currently,” he said, “the main thrust of the operations is the decapitation of all the remaining terrorists factions within the Nigerian territory. 

“With this feat achieved the relevance of Shekau is no longer of any consequence. 

“The people of the NE and indeed all Nigerians are enjoined to be more confident of the Nigerian troops and go about their normal activities,” he concluded.

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