Gen Minimah orders promotion of 296 soldiers for gallantry on Terrorism:

ABUJA—Following of a display of gallantry by soldiers of the Nigerian Army when they successfully repelled an attack by Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General K.T.J. Minimah, has ordered the promotion of 296 soldiers.

Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Olajide Laleye, made the disclosure, yesterday. He said that prosecuting large scale counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations as well as numerous other operations in aid of civil authority, in virtually every state of the federation, had put enormous pressure on the personnel resources of the Nigerian Army.

He said: “In several instances, Nigerian Army personnel have paid the supreme price for the safety of all of us while others have sustained life threatening injuries which they may have to manage for the rest of their lives.

“To ameliorate the sufferings that could emanate from operational conditions, the COAS recently came up with some new directives regarding the welfare of the injured and families of deceased personnel

“The COAS has directed that forthwith, the Army would ensure continued sustenance of the family of any deceased personnel until all the entitlements of the affected personnel have been settled.

“Towards this end, all personnel have been directed to ensure that documentation and records on their next of kin are brought up to date to ensure expeditious payment of entitlements when necessary.

“Also, allowances and promotion of personnel are to receive prompt consideration. For instance, the COAS recently directed the immediate promotion of soldiers who displayed gallantry in the face of the enemy.

“Similarly, in a bid to ensure the provision of timely and adequate medical attention to personnel who sustain injuries in the course of the ongoing campaign in the North East, the Army has established dedicated wards in the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, to provide specialised services to affected personnel.

“Additionally, personnel whose medical cases merit medical evacuation abroad would be accorded that opportunity without delay.”