General Biu To Boko Haram: Surrender Now And Allow Peace To Reign
The General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Bulama Biu has again appeal to members of the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents to surrender their arms.
General Biu, who made the appeal at a reception in his honour on Saturday at the Command Guest House Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, noted that the 10-year long insurgency has inflicted colossal damage on lives and property.
He therefore urged the insurgents to avail themselves of the opportunities of the amnesty programme initiated by the Federal Government under the “Operation Safe Corridor”.
General Biu said; “You still have the opportunity to lay down your arms. The time to surrender is now, to enable you rejoin the society.”
The GOC warned that if the insurgents continue with their offensive, the military is ready to crush them.
While commending the troops for their gallantry and sacrifices, Biu reiterated the commitments of the military to end insurgency and restore peace to the war region.
He thanked President Muhammad Buhari on his elevation to the rank of a Major General, as well as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, over the conferment of COAS Award of Excellence on him.
Biu also lauded Borno State Government, security agencies and other stakeholders over their support to the counter insurgency operation.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major-General Benson Akinroluyo, commended Biu for his commitments, effective leadership qualities and professionalism in the fight against insurgency, saying that General Biu is a man who “commands his troops from the front line’ and not from the rear”.
Also speaking, Governor Umara Zulum, lauded the military over the successes recorded in the counter insurgency operation.
Zulum, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, pledged support to the military operations towards the restoration of peace in the state.
President Muhammad Buhari had last week approved a special promotion for Biu and other officers in appreciation of their contributions in the counter-insurgency campaign.