Going by the level of successes recorded against Boko Haram insurgents in the Northern region of Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has charged personnel of the Nigerian Army to remain vigilant in order to forestall any wave of attack that may arise from the insurgents.

According to Ceoafrica, Buratai who gave the charge today while leading officers and men on a new year 10km route match exercise in Abuja, congratulated the security personnel for  excellent performance in 2016.

In his words “You all know the effort we are making in the North East and indeed in all parts of the country, which have enabled us to take initiative and we will continue to maintain that initiative with the defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists.

“We must ensure surveillance that would prevent reoccurrence of attacks. So, on this note, I want to say congratulations and happy New Year to all. Remain loyal and committed and inculcate the highest standard of discipline this year, 2017.

“Once again, congratulations, thank you and God bless,’’ he said.

Buratai, who stressed the need for exercise and training, also urged the personnel to brace for the challenges that may arise in 2017 and urged them to improve on the successes recorded in 2016, adding that his training directive for 2017 has been passed, which he expects every commander to implement.

 “As I have said also, we should be preparing for the Nigerian Army Small Arms Champion (NASAC), coming up in October and I expect formations to prepare for this championship. “We will also test some of our high calibre equipment during the championship. Training is the key and we must continue to train.

“I will expect new equipment and indeed new techniques which we will adopt in our training activities, as well as our operations.’’ The chief of army staff said.