Nigerian Army to Insurgents: Embrace Peace

The Nigerian Army has called on unrepentant Boko Haram terrorists to surrender and embrace peace.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. A.A. Eyitayo made the call during a feast organised for journalists by the army in Maiduguri on Sunday.

Eyitayo, who is also the Commander Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai, noted that the recent military attack on the group dealt a decisive blow on the terrorists leaving their remnants in disorder.

He stressed that nobody including the military was happy over the bloodshed, and therefore there is a need for the remnants of the insurgents to embrace amnesty and let go of their old ways.

He noted that this will allow them to enjoy rehabilitation and acquire skills that will be beneficial to them and society at large.
The GOC lauded the media for its contributions in the counter-insurgency campaign and charge it to enlighten the insurgents to see the light and repent from their unfruitful ventures.

“We are not here for bloodletting, nobody is happy that people are dying.
“Some of them (insurgents) are listening to the media so it is good for us to appeal to them through the media to shun violence, turn up to seek forgiveness and reconciliation,” Eyitayo said.

Eyitayo noted that the feast with reporters was to show appreciation of media reportage of military operations in the state.
“For the past three months since I assumed duty in Maiduguri in this capacity, there has never been any bad report.

“This is to appreciate the media for positive reportage,” he said.
Reacting, the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Borno State Council, Mohammed Ibrahim, commended the GOC for carrying the media along and assured him of more support and cooperation.

Mohammed further commended the military and other security agencies who are at the forefront of fighting insurgency and for their sacrifices, urging them not to give up.