Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Dan-Ali (rtd) has urged soldiers to respect the rights of people in host communities because all their actions and inactions will be accounted for.
The minister also assured the troops the federal government will provide logistics to ensure that insurgency comes to an end in the country.
Dan-Ali said this at a Christmas lunch organised for troops fighting insurgency in the North East.
He said “While your welfare needs is being addressed, I urge you to continue to adhere to all the rules of engagement in your operations.
“I want you all to note that your actions and inactions will be accounted for, you must therefore respect the rights of people in your host communities.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin also commended efforts to end insurgency so far.
He said “We are gradually moving into 2016, therefore, we must not rest on our oars to win the war.
“As we move into 2016 I want to enjoin you to be more determined to reclaim all lost territories, that is the charge and demand on all of you as we enter the New Year.
“On our part we will do our best to ensure that all logistics and welfare required to prosecute the war to a logical conclusion were provided.”
Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, said the visit of the defence minister would boost the morale of troops in the ongoing operation.
He said “The security situation has greatly improved and I want to congratulate the troops for a job well done.
“We are entering the New Year and I believe that we will start winding down to conclude the operation.”