The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has inaugurated a cenotaph at Gudumbali, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno Sate, in memory of troops who died in battle.
Buratai said the town was one of the strongholds of Boko Haram terrorists in Borno North during the heat of the insurgency.
He also admitted that the Army suffered heavy casualty and loss of equipment in the battle to liberate the town in 2015.
Gudumbali is about 125kms to Maiduguri and 15kms to Niger Republic.
Gen. Buratai inaugurated the memorial arcade shortly after he kicked off a sanitation exercise as part of activities marking the 2018 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
He said: “It was very difficult from 2014, in fact from 2013 and 2014, it was difficult to come into Gudumbali from the eastern axis because Gudumbali was heavily mined and fortified.
“Efforts were made by the 134 Battalion to enter here but it failed. Similarly, when the unit 157 attempted to move in for the first time, they had to withdraw. So many mines or IEDs were laid on the road to this place.
“At last, when the final directive was given, they successfully entered Gudumbali and crossed over and then harbour here. It was after this that insurgents paid them a surprise visit at night and we lost some soldiers and equipment.”
“We will continue to pray for the souls of the departed, both here and at other places; may their gentle souls rest in perfect peace.
“This cenotaph will remain in our memories as a symbol, so anyone who comes here will associate himself and pray for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes in this operation.
“They will have their names inscribed here on the monument; every one of them that paid the supreme price here will be remembered.”
Buratai also donated two tractors to the community to enhance their farming activities.
Commander of Operation Last Hold Maj-Gen. Abba Dikko said the sanitation exercise was to clean up town of its “bad memories”.
He added that this was necessary to enable Gudumbali thrive again in commerce, farming, fishing, administration, and to give the people a sense of belonging.
On June 14, Gen. Buratai, represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu, visited the town to perform Sharan gona (set fire to bush) to signal the start of the 2018 bush clearing and farming for the people. He assured them that their security was guaranteed.