Gen. Buratai spoke yesterday in Abuja while unveiling packs of bottled water provided through private initiative, in appreciation of the fighting troops. THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said troops are advancing into Sambisa Forest, a major stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists.
According to the Army chief, the advancement is an onslaught to finally flush out the remnants of the insurgents from the forest and rescue those abducted.
“This year, the Army Headquarters will be moving into the Northeast to celebrate Christmas and New Year with our troops,” Gen. Buratai said.
He described the free bottle water-initiative as “quite historic and the first”.
Gen. Tukur Buratai said the initiative was meant to appreciate efforts of the troops.
His words: “The scheme involves branding 50cl bottled water with the image of the Nigerian soldier. It has the Nigerian Army logo and that of stakeholders and partners from the private sector with the words “Thank you for your service”.
“This will boost the morale of troops to show that their labour is recognised and appreciated.
“This initiative is timely, coming at a critical stage of operations, when the troops have embarked on “Operation Rescue Finale”.
“It will surely add vigour, impetus and stimulate the troops in this phase of the operation,” Gen. Buratai said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bottle water-initiative was supported by Enugu State government (N10 million), Ebonyi State government (N5 million) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) (N1.5 million), among others.
