Buratai urges media to highlight military successes in anti-terror operations

Former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has tasked journalists to report the successes of military onslaughts against bandits, kidnappers, and Boko Haram with the same energy used in reporting tragedies, saying balanced reporting is not only good journalism but also patriotism.

This is as he commended the synergy between the Army and Air Force that led to successful military operations in Borno, Zamfara, Plateau, Yobe, as well as the South-East in the last one week.

In a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday, the former Army Chief noted that “these successes are the result of better intelligence gathering, improved coordination, and the courage of ordinary soldiers, warning that the fight is not over.

He remarked that, “the terrorists and bandits are wounded but still dangerous. This is exactly the time to press harder. The military can not relent, and Nigerians can not afford to become complacent.

“I therefore, call on all Nigerians to support our troops. Do not believe every negative story or amplify enemy propaganda. Celebrate our troops’ victories, pray for the families of the fallen, and encourage our young men and women in uniform.

“The media also has a special responsibility to report successes with the same energy as tragedies. Balanced reporting is not just good journalism; it is patriotism.

“I want to specifically commend the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and the Intelligence Chiefs for their excellent leadership, professionalism, and the renewed spirit of cooperation we are now seeing across all security agencies.

“To the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, I say, well done. Your air-to-ground coordination has been exceptional. Keep the pressure on. Do not allow the enemy to breathe. Every terrorist killed, every bandit arrested, and every kidnap victim rescued is a step closer to peace.

“To the Nigerian people, do your part. Report suspicious movements, support the families of fallen soldiers, and remember that men and women in uniform are the reason many of you sleep safely at night. Their sacrifices shall never be in vain.

Buratai recalled:

“In the past few days, the Nigerian military has recorded remarkable successes across the country. From the shores of Lake Chad to the forests of Zamfara, from the creeks of Rivers State to the mountains of Plateau, troops of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, working closely together, are hitting the enemies of our nation hard.

” These are not mere headlines. They represent a clear shift in the battle against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and economic sabotage.

“In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have done extraordinary work. In Borno State, terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the Kukareta community with heavy weapons. The gallant soldiers stood their ground. When the battle ended, twenty-four terrorists lay dead.

“The army also recovered the remains of two soldiers, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew, who were killed in 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding. After nearly four years, they will finally receive a burial with full military honours, he stressed.