Group Lauds Nigerian Army Over NASAC in Sambisa Forest
An anti-terrorism coalition, the National Coalition Against Terrorism
(NCAT) has commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for the
successful hosting of the 2017 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (
NASAC ) inside Sambisa forest, the erstwhile fortress of Boko Haram
Terrorists which fell to the Army last December.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, NCAT Secretary
General, Comrade Garuba Shehu stated that staging the championship in
Sambisa Forest is symbolic of the defeat and degradation of the Boko
Haram terrorist group.
He also commended the federal government for naming the Shooting Range
in Sambisa Forest after the late Lt.-Col. Abu Ali, who was the Commander
of an army formation at Mallam Fatori in Borno east, saying such honour
will motivate troops.
He also hinted that as the anniversary of the Nyanya bombing in the FCT
approaches, NCAT will be recognizing the efforts of every Nigerian
soldier and officer who has contributed in one way or the other to the
fight against insurgency and will send medal to
He lauded President Buhari for his commitment to the counter-insurgency
operations that have taken back the country from terrorists even as
efforts continue to mop up the remnant of the terrorists.
Shehu said hosting of this all important event in place that was once
notorious as the base of the Boko Haram terror group further shows the
progress that has been made in restoring order to our land.
The statement reads further, "The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt Gen TY
Buratai, despite rejecting some awards in recognition of his
contribution to the fight against terrorism and preferring that all
honour in this regards be given to President Muhammadu Buhari, deserves
commendation and we salute his unique leadership that has made the
military exploits against terrorism possible. While we recognize his
desire to focus on getting the job done and not be distracted by awards,
NCAT will on the occasion of the anniversary of the Nyanaya Bomb blast,
which marks the end of incessant bombing in the FCT, send medals to his
office.
"Our belief is that President Buhari would see same as a nudge from
Nigerians for him to honour and reward every Nigerian soldier and
officer who has contributed in one way or the other to the fight against
insurgency.
"In this regard, we are elated that the Shooting Range in Sambisa
Forest has been named after the late Lt.-Col. Abu Ali, who was the
Commander of an army formation at Mallam Fatori in Borno east, and died
in a battle on November 4, 2016 with six of his men while fighting
terrorists. We urge that the recognition should include providing succor
to the families of our fallen heroes."
Shehu urged President Buhari to declare the Nyanya area where the bomb
blast took place to be named as Resilience Square in honour of the
victims who lost their lives to that ugly incident.
"We reiterate our earlier appeal to Nigerians to support the military
and security services with information that will help in tracking down
and apprehending the remnants of the terror group while those who have
relations among the fighters should prevail on them to surrender for
reintegration," he stated. The Authority
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