President Muhammad Buhari has visited Borno State to commemorate the 2018 Nigerian Army Day celebrations with the troops in the state.
He was welcomed to the state by Governor Kashim Shettima, as well as the Chiefs of Defence Staff, Army Staff and Air Staff – General Abayomi Olonisakin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Members of the Borno State Executive Council and other top military officers in the state were also on the ground to receive the President.
Shortly after his arrival, President Buhari proceeded to Monguno via an Air Force chopper.
In his opening remark at the event, Lieutenant General Buratai briefed the President and other Nigerians on the Army operations in Borno and other states affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
He promised that the Army would continue to carry out its responsibilities in accordance with the rule of law and the Nigerian Constitution.
As the general elections draw nearer, Buratai assured Nigerians that they would remain apolitical in the discharge of their duties.
On his part, Governor Shettima thanked the Federal Government for their unrelenting resolve in the fight against terrorism.
He was optimistic that the nation has finally come to the end of insurgency and faulted the rumours that the President was visiting Borno for political gains.
Commending President Buhari’s commitment to the nation’s security, Shettima said although the President left the military over 30 years ago, “the military refused to leave him.”
President Buhari, who was the special guest of honour at the event, informed Nigerians that the terrorists were surrendering willingly to the troops.
He also assured the people that efforts were ongoing by his administration to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, the remaining Chibok girls, and other captives in the custody of the outlawed group.
