From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
No fewer than 123 military officers, soldiers and personnel of various security agencies serving in the counter-terrorism operation in the Northeast have been given medal awards for exhibiting rare gallantry in their duties in battlefronts.
Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.Gen. Christopher Musa disclosed this yesterday at the Medal Parade organized for the awardees at the headquarters of the operation, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
Gen. Musa said a total of 40 military officers and 48 soldiers from the Army, Air Force and Navy, and 35 personnel of other security agencies, as well as Civilian Joint Task Force, were singled out for special recognition.
“These officers have exhibited rare gallantry in their duties and our various operations against terrorists in the Northeast,” he disclosed.
He said those who were recognized were deployed to the operation from Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, Immigration, Correctional Services and Civilian JTF. Some journalists covering the military operation for over a decade were also recognized.
Five military officer, including an Army Lieutenant Colonel Manga were given special honour; Theatre Commander’s commendation award for gallantry.
Lt. Col. Manga, a brigade commander, was honoured for leading troops to smoke out Boko Haram from their enclaves including in Sambisa game reserve and other volatile areas.
Also an Air Force Squadron leader, who is also a pilot, was honoured for his swift response to intelligence which led to killing of dozens of terrorists and seizure of gun trucks, and other ammunition.
The theatre commander urged troops not to relent in their efforts to neutralize all terrorists in the Northeast.
He also urged terrorists willing to surrender to use the window of amnesty provided by the government to do so.