TheCable

Bashir Magashi, minister of defence, has paid an assessment visit to troops fighting insurgency in the north-east.

The minister visited the troops on Friday and was accompanied by Lucky Irabor, chief of defence staff, and other principal military officers.

Magashi, who was received at the headquarters of operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, Borno state, hailed the troops and thanked them for a “job well done”.

He also lauded the successes recorded so far in the fight against insurgency in the north-east.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the theatre for a job well done,” he said.

“We are here to put heads together to see how to come out with fresh ideas to finish what we started. Success is not too far away with your determination and commitment.

“The commander-in-chief has been magnanimous in providing us all what we need to contain the challenges in the north-east and all other troubled areas.”

The minister also reminded the troops of the government’s commitment to the welfare of the military, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in service to the nation.

On his part, Christopher Musa, a major-general and Hadin Kai theatre commander, lauded the sustained support of the government in ensuring that the military effectively carries out its assigned tasks.

Musa also assured the defence minister of the commitment of the troops to securing the north-east.

“We assure you we will continue to put in our very best. We are committed and determined now more than ever before,” he said.

The minister’s visit comes a day after Damboa, a town 90 kilometres away from Maiduguri, was attacked.

The insurgents had reportedly attacked the town with about 15 gun trucks.