Boko Haram: Buhari Decorates Injured Soldiers With Medals For Gallantry (Photos)

Three members of the Nigerian Armed Forces on Friday were decorated by President Muhammadu Buhari with the Purple Heart medal for exhibiting gallantry in the war against Boko Haram.

The recipients of the medal, comprising two officers of the Nigerian Army and an Air Force officer, sustained serious injuries in ongoing operations against insurgency in the Northeast.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the affected soldiers were decorated during a morale-boosting visit to the Nigerian military in Adamawa.

At the conferment ceremony, which took place at the Yola International Airport, the president said the honour was in appreciation of their heroic contributions to the ongoing effort by the Nigerian Armed Forces to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

NG Trends reports that the injured soldiers were brought to the airport on wheelchairs.

“These very (much) deserved medals are in recognition of your sacrifices”, President Buhari told the injured soldiers.

“I hope it will inspire you to give more to the nation and I urge you to maintain your determination to bring peace to our fatherland”.

The president, who expressed optimism that Boko Haram’s defeat was drawing “very close” with what he saw on ground in Adamawa, urged the soldiers to quickly clear the remnants of the insurgents from wherever they may still be hiding.

“I also urge you to remain vigilant, alert and focused to prevent Boko Haram from sneaking into our communities to attack soft targets”, the statement quoted the president as saying.

According to the statement, those decorated with the Purple Heart Medal are Lance Cpl. Kenneth Kulugh who was wounded in a battle with Boko Haram at Magar Bridge, near Madagali.

Others are Pte Anthony Sunday, who sustained injuries during a confrontation against Boko Haram at Gubla in Adamawa; and Pte Danga Umar, who suffered multiple gunshot injuries to both thighs at Magar Bridge, near Madagali.

President Buhari also presented Operation Lafiya Dole Medals to men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who had served gallantly in theatre of operations in the North east beyond six months.

Accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the president commended the armed forces for successes so far recorded in the ongoing fight against the insurgents.

He also urged them to remain focused on the objective of completely defeating Boko Haram before the end of the year.

While assuring that the welfare of troops in the frontline states would continue to be improved by his administration, Buhari urged the army to continue to operate within its rules of engagement and with due regard for human rights and its responsibility to protect civilians in areas of conflict.