Nigeria winning war on terror, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has said the
country is winning the war against terror.
He said the State of Emergency rule
declared in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa
states was working.
He spoke through Vice President Namadi
Sambo, at the National Military Cemetery,
Abuja during the burial of gallant officers
and soldiers who died in Operation
Boyona, who were tackling the Boko
Haram insurgents and peacekeeping
efforts in Darfur, Sudan.
He said their sacrifices will never be in
vain, adding: "Indeed, for us all, the loss
is a tale of regret but we take solace in
the fact that we are winning the war.
They shall rest in peace knowing that."
He urged the military not to be daunted
by the loss but to re-strategise to
urgently end the insurgency.
"As members of the Armed Forces, you
must appreciate that the military
profession is a hazardous job and in
conflicts like this, there are bound to be
casualties, including deaths. Rather than
despair and lose focus of our objective, it
is incumbent on us to respect and honour
the dead by giving them a befitting burial
while still strategising to defeat the
enemy," he said.
He assured the families of the late
military personnel, including those still
serving, that the country would never
forsake them, urging them to "Remember
that your loss is also the nation's loss. Be
comforted that your departed loved ones
are resting in the bosom of the Lord. May
the Almighty grant you the fortitude to
bear the loss."
Minister of State for Defence Eleru
Olusola Obada, the Chief of Defence Staff,
Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim and the Chief of
Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika,
said the soldiers had made Nigeria proud
and had laid their lives to ensure peace
and unity continue to reign in the
country.
They assured that the military would not
relent on its efforts to ensure that the
peace and unity of the country is not
jeopardised.
On behalf of the relations of the dead
soldiers, Pastor Iliya Joshua Amuda
thanked President Jonathan, the military
authorities and Nigerians for their
support, as he appealed for an urgent end
to the activities of the insurgents.
Highlight of the event was the laying of
wreath by Sambo and other invited guests
and also the presentation of national
colours to the deceased next of kin.