Loud Ovation Galore When Buratai Visited Troops in Daura Army Base

By Lawrence Audu

Thunderous applause and morale boosting chants rented the air as troops ignored their lineups scampering in all directions. They were over joyed on seeing the number one field commander, the spirit that inspires. -Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff has come to feel the pulse of his troops at the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base in Daura, Katsina State.

The Nigerian Army Chief has over the years carved a special niche for himself by not just demystifying the Boko Haram insurgency, confronting other security challenges and insurrections in Nigeria. General Buratai is no doubt a charismatic commander leading from the front.

Upon assumption of office General Buratai relocated with other top commanders to the Northeast to confront headlong the menace of insurgency that has ravaged the country for years. This act indeed became the beginning of recovery of territories taken by the terrorists and the liberation of many captured civilians held hostage for years.

The visit of the Army Chief to Daura is very significant especially at a time the nation is confronted by cases of banditry in the Northwest of the country.

General Buratai commended the commitment and achievement of troops deployed at Forward Operating Base for combating armed banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping among other menaces during Operation Harbin Kunama III and ongoing Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North-Western part of Nigeria.

He also disclosed the Army authority’s plans to replicate the noble concept of Super Camp in the region, with the aim of projecting offensive patrols, raids, ambushes and other combat missions to tackle the security threats occasioned by the activities of bandits and other criminals elements. He maintained that provision of logistics to enable troops to perform effectively remains his top priority, – a feat which he has sufficiently demonstrated in all the Theatre of operations since his assumption of office as the COAS.

Lt Gen TY Buratai announced that works and provision of infrastructure will soon commence on the proposed permanent site of the 171 Battalion located in Daura.

He informed them of the introduction of Boots and Polish allowances, among other welfare packages to boost troops morale, encourage hard work and professionalism.

There was loud ovation when the COAS conducted troops at the base to a series of Push-Ups. Troops were literally stopped from raising him up at the time.