In a solidarity visit to the nation's armed forces, President Muhammadu Buhari took a trip to Maiduguri, Borno state, the epicenter of the Boko Haram crisis to honor the courage and sacrifices of the Armed Forces on the occasion of Nigeria's 57th independence anniversary.

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While at the Maimalari Military Cantonment which houses the headquarters of the Theatre Command, code named Operation Lafiya Dole, Buhari took time out to criticize those calling for the division of the country, insisting that they were ignorant of the negative consequences of warfare.

The president described the agitators for succession as noise makers who were probably not born when the civil war broke out in the late 60s.

He advised the military personnel to always be on top of their game in defending the country and its populace, noting that if Nigeria breaks, the military will be the first line of losers hence must stand firm for themselves and for the country in general.
 
The ceremony which was marked with display of military hardware and a show of air power by the Air Force was the first time such ceremonies will take place outside the nation's capital,Abuja.

President Buhari also inspected the military guard of honor, where he praised the gallantry of the Armed Forces for the successes recorded in defeating terrorism in the north-east and lawlessness in the Niger Delta.

He said within the limit of available resources, the Armed Forces will be equipped with the best the country can afford. 

The commander in chief also asked members of the three arms of the military to return the gesture by being steadfast and loyal while lauding the fortitude of the wounded-in-action soldiers who are receiving treatment and wished them quick recovery when he met them in a special tent.

The President also noted that the President inspected several military equipment, newly-acquired and those refurbished put on display as well as some of the new acquisitions of the Air Force that included night-vision Mi 35 attack helicopters.

In a welcome speech at the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff,  General Gabriel Olonisakin commended the President for showing a lot of care for the Armed Forces.

He assured the President that the country's military will continue to be loyal to the administration and expressed their readiness to guarantee the sovereignty of the nation and the security of its people.

The CDS said the visit by the President will reign and boost the spirit of the Armed Forces, assuring that with better morale, they will fight better.

The President was joined in cutting the Anniversary Cake by the host Governor, Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olonisakin, the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, the Theater Commander, General Ibrahim Attahir and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.

 

Report by Nnabuchi Nnabuchi