By Mustapha Buhari, Maiduguri
Worried by the incessant ambush and quick attacks waged by the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents on security personnel and civilians, the Nigerian Army has set up special forces with primary responsibility for tackling the challenge.
The special forces, comprising hundreds of men and officers of the Nigerian Army, were tagged Mobile Strike Group for anti-ambush combat.
Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, disclosed this on Sunday while addressing personnel of the group, who were being trained at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in the 27 Taskforce Brigade, Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe State.
Mr Dan-Ali explained that the special training was imperative in order to guarantee the civilian population and ensure that the insurgents remain decimated.
He said it was not abnormal for defeated terrorists to employ new tricks for their heinous acts in order to remain relevant.
According to him, the pocket of attacks, which are mainly ambush of troops, were the tactics of decimated terrorists in the world, saying the Nigerian Armed Forces have mapped out effective operational and surveillance mechanisms to deal with the situation.
“It is against this backdrop that the Defence Headquarters resolved to review its operations by introducing fresh training and re-training of the troops on counter-ambush. The training will equally boost the morale and combat readiness of the soldiers.
“It will also enable the combat troops to acquire necessary skills and operational tactics to curb ambush. All other para-military personnel engaged in the counter-insurgency operations will equally undergo the training”, he declared.
The minister tasked the troops to remain focused, dedicated and combat ready to rid the nation from all kinds of terrorism as well as other prevailing security challenges.
“The Acting President acknowledged your good work in tackling terrorism, insurgency and other contemporary security challenges confronting the nation.
“He pledged to provide all the necessary needs and other logistics for various operations. You should not allow disgruntled elements to dent your morale.
“He is indeed proud of your sacrifices, steadfastness and patriotism in combating terrorism and insurgency”, Mr Dan-Ali told the troops.
