Emulate Citizens Of Niger, Embark On Solidarity March For Soldiers, FG Urges Nigerians

82b829eb27171db60c5df4aa148045f7The Federal Government on Wednesday called on Nigerians to borrow a leaf from their Nigerien counterparts and march in solidarity for soldiers fighting insurgency in the North-Eastern part of the country.

Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, who made the call at a press briefing on the war against insurgency in Abuja, said regional cooperation had been helpful in reclaiming territories previously under the control of Boko Haram insurgents.

He said a march for the soldiers would boost their morale and strengthen their resolve as they fight against the Islamist militants.

Omeri said, “The centre commends the recent offer of assistance by the United States in the areas of training and other logistics for the military forces in the fight against Boko Haram.

“Equally, the assistance of Nigeria’s immediate neighbours in this anti-terror campaign is highly commendable.  In that regard, therefore, we urge Nigerians to emulate the recent action of citizens of Niger Republic who publicly embarked on a solidarity march in support of their military for defending their country.

“This, we believe, will greatly boost the morale of our soldiers who have laid down their lives for the unity, integrity and security of our dear nation and her citizens”.

Omeri, who is also the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, said there has been increased regional cooperation between the countries of the Lake Chad Basin resulting in the recapture of territories by the Nigerian military and the multi-national joint task forces which are, simultaneously, warding off new attacks.

According to Omeri, the fight against Boko Haram is gaining the regional solidarity it deserves.

He added, “Nigerian troops have recaptured the towns of Monguno and Marte, among others, while military operations are continuing at other locations in the area.

“However, because of the heavy bombardment of various Boko Haram hideouts, there has been massive dispersal of these elements to various locations including the numerous Internally Displaced Persons camps from where many of them have been smoked out and arrested.

“Therefore, people living in relatively peaceful places within and near the North-East region and, in fact, all Nigerians are urged to be vigilant and report strange faces and movements promptly to the security authorities”.

The NIC also alerted Nigerians on the alleged circulation of some spurious documents especially on the social media with the intent to cause disaffection among the citizenry.

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