Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

North East: Celebrate my promotion, surrender, GOC tells Boko Haram

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(FILES) This picture taken on April 30, 2013 shows Nigerian troops patrolling in the streets of the remote northeast town of Baga, Borno State. Nigeria's military said on May 16, 2013 that it was ready to launch air strikes against Boko Haram Islamists as several thousand troops moved to the remote northeast to retake territory seized by the insurgents. A force of "several thousand" soldiers along with fighter jets and helicopter gunships have been deployed for the offensive in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa state, he added. AFP PHOTO/PIUS UTOMI EKPEIPIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division, of the Nigerian Army,Major General Bulama Biu, has called on remnants of Boko Haram to save  themselves from the imminent calamity by surrendering to military troops to end the war.

Biu, who spoke with newsmen in Maiduguri, warned that the military’s final onslaught against the insurgents would be sustained until they were completely neutralised.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Biu was recently granted accelerated  promotion by President Muhammadu Buhari for the extraordinary feats, exemplary leadership, commitment and valour recorded  under his command in the counter-insurgency operation in the North East Zone.

The GOC said collective efforts put in place by officers and men of the Division translated to his elevation to the rank of Major General in the army.

He  urged  his troops to continue to display professional commitment toward restoring peace and sanity in the North East Zone.

“This oppotunity given to me by way of elvating me to this rank will certainly make me to redouble my efforts toward ensuring that we achieve our desired goals.

“I  want to thank  the Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, for finding me worthy.

“I equally want to thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Burutai, who put in all his time and support to ensure that  we key into his vision and policies. I owe him a lot of gratitude.

“Today, I am being celebrated not only by officers and men of the Division and the Nigerian army,  but I believe entire Nigerians.

“The promotion, I was told, was  as a result of all the efforts and successes we recorded in defeating Boko Haram.

“Our appreciatrion will therefore be incomplete without calling on the remnants Boko Haram to join in celebrating me by laying down their arms unconditionally as quickly as possible for peace to reign.

” Then, I will have a great sense of fullfilment.

“But, where some  of them  decide not to do so, I want to assure them that I have returned to Maiduguri more reinvogorated, well energised. I have my eyes very wide and ever prepared to go after those that are adamant,” he said.

Biu also urged well-meaning Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces’ peace-building initiatives; in order to achieve lasting solution to the insecurity in the country.