The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, on Thursday, visited the troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, and ordered them to “smoke out criminals from their hideouts.”

The military chief addressed the soldiers at the Theatre Command, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State. He also commended them for their gallantry.

General Irabor said President Muhammadu Buhari was happy with the troops’ performance in the fight against insurgents in the North-East.

“The Commander in Chief is happy with you and has asked me to relay to you to keep up the standard and momentum that you are displaying in the North-East operation,” Irabor said.

The CDS also lauded the success being recorded by the troops, adding that it was based on their sense of patriotism and resilience.

He said their performance showed the true manifestation of the training provided to them.

Irabor said commanders in the theatre were putting final touches for more onslaughts on remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists.

“You must ensure that the criminals, wherever they are hiding, you smoke them out.

“I know that you will do that, very soon, we will be back to celebrate together,” Irabor said.

The CDS also held a meeting with the Theatre Commander, Major General Ibrahim Ali, GOC 7 Division, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu and other operational commanders.

He also interacted with wounded soldiers at the military hospital in Maimalari Cantonment.

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