[Mhiz Rebecca]

Private Samuel Ernest who is recuperating from an
injury at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital,
Maiduguri, says he will go back to the frontline to
continue the fight against the terrorists.
“After my treatment, if I am fit enough, I will go back
to the bush — frontline, in order to continue the
operation against the Boko Haram terrorists.
“I am feeling better now, I can now use crochets and
put my feet down,’’ Ernest told newsmen at a get-
together organised for wounded soldiers to celebrate
the Eid-el-Kabir.
He said he was proud of Chief of Army Staff Tukur
Buratai and the army high command that identified
with the injured during the occasion.
“I feel happy celebrating the Sallah, the chief of army
staff came to the hospital to see how we are faring
and how we are being taken care of,’’ Ernest, who
sustained injury six months ago said.
Similarly, Private Titus Okon, who is also recuperating
from injury on one of his laps after he was shot by the
terrorists on May 21, expressed gratitude to God that
he was getting better.
“I am strong enough, I am very grateful to the chief of
army staff who is here to celebrate with us,’’ he said.
The soldiers later took to the dancing floor to celebrate
the occasion.
This was after the representative of the chief of army
staff, Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu, Chief of Training and
Operations, assured them that the army was
committed to their welfare.
At Mafa, Staff Sgt. Saleh Jerico of the 112 Task Force
Battalion, expressed gratitude to God that there were
fewer threats to troops now than in previous years.
“Compared to two or three years ago, nobody could
come here. We give glory to God for his intervention.
“Peace is being restored to Borno and entire North
East. Our earnest prayer is that God should sustain the
peace.
“It is great for us — the troops — to witness the 2017
Sallah celebration,’’ Jerico said after he took part in a
lunch organised by the chief of army staff for troops.
Also, Lance Cpl. Adamu Ali of the same battalion
noted that Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Mafa in 2017 was
better than 2016 in terms of security and peace.
“In 2016, here in Mafa, we were being ambushed by
the terrorists, but there is nothing as such this year,
we thank God for that.
“I wish my family happy Sallah. As they celebrate at
home, we are also celebrating here in the frontline in
Mafa.
“It is not my will to stay away from them, it is the
nature of the job,’’ Ali said and expressed readiness to
continue with the ongoing clearance operation.