By Joy Odor
The Commanding Officer (CO) of the 333 Antilary Regiment Operation Hadin Kai in Njimtilo, Lt Colonel Oladotun Victor Akindeke has on Thursday affirmed that Tango 8 troops foiled several attacks by the terrorists to protect the civilians in the Community.
He disclosed this while briefing the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Correspondents on a media tour to Joint Tasks Forces (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai North East (NE) OPHK, Maiduguri.
He informed that during the attacks, the troops repelled the Boko Haram terrorists and there were no casualties as everything has returned to normalcy and assured its commitment to protect the lives of the civilians.
“In June this year, we had an attack. Boko Haram, they came. But the troops were able to recur the attack. Even around September. One of the Tango, that’s Tango 8 was able to repel the attacks, there were no casualties and everything went well.
“We bring everything to the troops within their location. We don’t allow them to leave the location. Because the terrorists might decide to infiltrate at night.
“So we are always there to protect the locals. And also prevent Boko Haram from retreating into the camp. If they notice any movement ahead of the paratroopers, they inform us on time. We don’t have any issues with the locals. Last year, we did Salah together. We invited the Bulamars, the locals and youths” he said.
Lt Colonel Akindeke said the military have a very cordial relationship with the locals and they would continue to ensure their protection from any terrorism.
In his address, Grieema Bulama of Njimtilo commended the Nigeria military at large in protecting all civilians in the North East, saying without the commitment, efforts and support of the troops, Maiduguri would not have been saved and economic activities would not have been restored.
Bulama noted that they community are happy to witness the military and civilians relationship and also happy to be part of the visit by the DHQ media tour in Njimtilo, saying because of the cordial relationship with the military, the locals were able to go to farm and the military are up to task.
According to him, the military assisted them a lot throughout the farming season with security protection, which they were able to have a bumber harvest.
“The issue of farming sir, l want to bring to your notice that the troops here assisted us a lot during farming, with the security given to us by the troops, we were able to have a bumber harvest.
“We civilians would not have access our farmlands without the assistance of your troops. We have not been going to the farm for a long time but because of the troop’s present in our community and their willingness to see that this year, we were able to farm and live in peace so far.
“Our community is one of the peaceful here, and the peace we have is because of the military due to their assistance, support and collaboration we shared. Whenever, there is a problem, we collaborate together to ensure we eliminate such threats.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the leadership of
Lt Colonel Akindeke in the community and the DHQ for choosing to send him here, he has done a good job in protecting us so we’ll, always standing by us and assisting us to have Peace.
