BEVERLY HILLS, December 31, (THEWILL) – The efforts of the military in repelling the Boko Haram insurgency in Yobe State have been commended.
The State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, gave the commendation Wednesday in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, saying the gallantry of the men and officers of the Nigerian Army and other security operatives had saved the state capital and other towns in the state from being overrun by the insurgents.
Gaidam was speaking at the launching of the 2015 emblem week in Damaturu where two military officers were decorated.
Recalling the most recent insurgents attacks on Damaturu, Potiskum, Damagum and Geidam in December, the governor maintained that the professional manner of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army had kept the state from being captured by the gunmen.
Assuring the gallant soldiers of his Administration’s support, the governor said the time has come to appreciate the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state , considering how they have saved the state.
He said his administration will continue to accord priority to their needs even as he called on them to keep up the tempo.
Maintaining that he will keep to the tradition of donating a million naira to each of the families of soldiers killed while serving in the state, he also disclosed that his government will continue to offset the medical bills of those injured .
Congratulating the newly-promoted officers, Gaidam urged them to continue to carry on with the service of their fatherland with gallantry.
In his response, the Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Damaturu, Colonel Usman Yusuf, expressed gratitude to the governor for his frequent assistance to the Nigerian Army as he promised to continue working towards protecting the live and property of the people of the state as well as the territorial integrity of the country.
Yusuf also urged the newly-promoted officers to use their experience in tackling insurgency and other criminal acts in the state wherever they find themselves.
The newly-promoted officers who were decorated with their new ranks at the ceremony are Lt. Col. Dahiru Bako, who is now a full Colonel while Lieutenant Joseph Ogonremi is promoted to Captain.
In a vote of thanks, Colonel Bako expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Army for considering them worthy of the elevation even as he assured that they will continue to work for the unity of the country.
Governor Gaidam announced a donation of N5 million by the state in support of state chapter of the Nigeria Legion while the Yobe State House of Assembly pledged a million naira at the ceremony where a total sum of N10 million was realised.
