Military Hands Over Captured Shekau's Flag To Buhari

The Nigerian Army on Friday night in Abuja hosted President Muhammadu Buhari to Guards Brigade Regimental Dinner and presented to him the captured Boko Haram leader's flag.

The flag was handed over to the President by the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor.

‎
Irabor, had disclosed that ‎about 1,240 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested during a mop-up operation by troops inside the Sambisa forest.

While receiving the flag, President Buhari challenged the armed forces on the need to continue to ensure the survival of Nigeria as a geo-political entity despite what he described as "political madness" being exhibited in some parts of the country.

According to him, it is duty bound for the army to ensure the sustenance of peaceful co-existence among the over 250 ethnic groups across the country.

He said, “We will do our best to build the national institutions in the country.

“All these political madness in the North East, the Niger Delta or in the East (Biafra) should not be allowed to cause division or any form of tension in the country.

“There are 250 ethnic groups, so keeping Nigeria one is a task that must be done, even for your personal reason you must make sure this country remains united and stronger.”

President Buhari also recalled how he was almost killed as a young soldier even before he could enjoy his first salary. He said the task to keep Nigeria as one should be taken serious.