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From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
123 military officers, soldiers and operatives of various security agencies serving in the counter-terrorism operation in northeast Nigeria have been given medal awards for exhibiting rare gallantry in their duties on battlefronts.
Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj Gen Christopher Musa, disclosed on Saturday at the medal parade organised for the awardees at the headquarters of the operation, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
Gen Musa said a total of 40 military officers and 48 soldiers from the army, air force and navy, and 35 personnel of other security agencies as well as the Civilian Joint Task Force, were singled out for special recognition.
“These officers have exhibited rare gallantry in their duties and our various operations against terrorists in the North East,” he disclosed.
He said those who were recognised were deployed to the operation from the army, air force, the navy, police department of state security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, Immigration, Correctional Services and Civilian JTF. Some journalists covering the military operation for over a decade were also recognised.
Five military officers including an army Lieutenant Colonel Manga were given special honour; Theatre Commander’s commendation award for gallantry.
Lt Col Manga, a brigade commander, was honoured for leading troops to smoke out Boko Haram from their enclaves including in Sambisa Game Reserve and other volatile.
An air force Squadron Leader who is also a pilot was honoured for his swift response to intelligence which to the killing of dozens of terrorists and the seizure of gun trucks, and other ammunition.
The theatre Commander urged troops not to relent in their efforts to neutralise all terrorists in the North East. He also urged terrorists willing to surrender to use the window of amnesty provided by the government to do so.
