From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (Rtd) has commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for the support in the war against insurgency.
Buratai made the commendation in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital when the 29th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy NDA gathered for their 2024 Annual General Meeting at the weekend.
According to a statement made available to Daily Sun by Buratai’s Media Aide, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, the event was a celebration of their rich heritage and a reunion of old colleagues.
“Nine years ago, we would never have had the opportunity to gather like this here in Borno and in Maiduguri in particular. Once it is 2 o’clock as someone said, everyone goes inside and remains there till the following morning probably nine or ten.
“The restrictions were heavy, the atmosphere was charged with so much insecurity. But today, to the Glory of Almighty God, we are thankful to God for the sustained counterinsurgency operations leading to the sustainable security being achieved and being experienced today in the Northeast.
“We must appreciate the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the increased support to the Armed Forces to prosecute the counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and its subsequent version of ISWAP”. Buratai said.
Buratai also praised the members for their support during his tenure as Army Chief. “You have been wonderful for over forty years, precisely 44 years ago when we met together for the first time on 3rd January 1981 and we have maintained that relationship. I want to thank you for your support to me in particular”.
“You stood by me when I was Chief of Army Staff in a very difficult period, the time of the Boko Haram rampage and it was a period that was volatile, uncertain, complex and of course ambiguous environment and times as well.
“The environments were charged with so much opposition and mischief that is within the socio-political environment and within the geographical environment of the northeast also was tense with the various attacks that have been going on in this area but you stood by me and supported me and together, we succeeded,” he added.
The former COAS who holds the title of Betara of Biu equally applauded the Theatre Commander Major General Wahidi Shuaibu, the other components as well as troops for their resilience and sacrifice.
Commodore MB Teidi (Retd), President of the Association, reflected on the journey that began over four decades ago, saying, “Let me take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment.
“The history of NDA 29th Regular Course started on 3rd January 1981 when 155 young men reported for military training at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
“Most of us received the Presidential Commission and thereafter were posted to various services in the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force to pursue their Military career, while some opted out of the training to pursue their next best-destined options.”
The statement added, “The event brought together former colleagues from across the services and the business community, including serving military personnel such as Major General Wahidi Shuaibu, Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, and the Air Component Commander.
“The reunion demonstrated the strong bonds and camaraderie forged during their military careers. As they reminisced about their past experiences, they celebrated their achievements and the progress made in the fight against insurgency.
“The 29th Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy is no doubt, a shining example of the power of friendship and service to the nation. As they look to the future, they continue to stand together, committed to their objectives and to the development of the nation.”
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