President Muhammadu Buhari has honoured three soldiers who sustained injuries in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram with the Purple Heart medal for gallantry.
The awards were presented to the injured soldiers during a morale-boosting visit to the Nigerian military in Adamawa State on Friday.
At the conferment ceremony, President Buhari said that the honour to the three wounded soldiers was in appreciation of their heroic contributions to the ongoing effort by the Nigerian Armed Forces to end the Boko Haram insurgency.
“These very deserved medals are in recognition of your sacrifices. I hope it will inspire you to give more to the nation.
“With what I have seen today, I believe that the Boko Haram are very close to defeat and I urge you to quickly clear the remnants of these criminals from wherever they may still be hiding.
“I also urge you to remain vigilant, alert and focused to prevent Boko Haram from sneaking into our communities to attack soft targets.
Those decorated with the Purple Heart medal are Lance Cprl. Kenneth Kulugh who was wounded in a battle with BH at Magar Bridge near Madagali.
Others are Private Anthony Sunday was wounded in a battle with Boko Haram at Gubla in Adamawa State.
Also decorated was Private Danga Umar who sustained multiple gunshot injuries to both thighs at Magar Bridge, near Madagali.
Accompanied by the Chief ofArmy Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, Buhari also presented Operation Lafiya Dole medals to other four soldiers.
The Operation Lafiya Dole medal is presented to men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces who have served gallantly in theatre of operations in the North east beyond six months.
He urged the army to continue to operate within its rules of engagement and with due regard for human rights, reminding them (Army) of their responsibility to protect civilians in areas of conflict.
President Buhari also visited the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Malkohio, Jimieta, Yola.
He assured the IDPs that the FG was doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of all displaced NGRns to their native communities.
While in Yola, President Buhari paid a courtesy visit to Lamido Adamawa, Dr Muhamamdu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha.
Photo credit: Channels Television