NigeriaNews

The GOC of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig General Victor Ezugwu, has been seeking stronger collaboration with local hunters with better understanding of the terrains in the North East who voluntarily work hand in hand with the Army in some of the remote towns.

The counter insurgency war code named “Operation Lafiya Dole” has suffered setback since the coming of the rains with some of the terrains getting inaccessible for troops.

He said that the Division would provide the local hunters with cartridges for their supporting role in the war.

“I am very happy the way you are working with the Army here. You should continue because now that the rainy season is here, what these criminals would do is to cease operation but we will want to go after them inside the forest.” The GOC told the local vigilante.

 Meanwhile, troops in some of the areas have become weary of their continued stay without adequate rotation.

The pride of winning the war and liberating lost territories is gradually giving way to frustration and apathy.

 A soldier in Bitta told the GOC, “Soldiers and officers here in the 114 Battalion we feel we are being punished for something we have committed.“Six hundred of us were brought here but today due to injuries and deaths the number has dropped and we even had to be reinforced.”

Promising to address the issues, the GOC expressed confidence that the Army has an edge over the outlawed bandits, insisting that peace is gradually returning to the land. General Ezugwu has been on a 3-day operational tour of formations and units within 7 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR).

 121 Task Force Battalion Pulka, ‘A’ Company of 143 Rangers Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade in Mubi, Adamawa State and 114 Task Force Battalion in Bitta are some of the areas he visited.