By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA—Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro yesterday said the war against the Boko Haram terrorism involved more than  government and the military as every lawful citizen has roles to play.

The minister spoke on the occasion of the launch of the Support Our Troops Foundation held at Army Headquarters Mess, Abuja where an undisclosed amount of money was realized.

“At a time like this when we are faced with the challenge of fighting terrorism, our civic duty as citizens becomes even more imperative. As a government, under the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, we have an institutional role to play and we will continue to play that role to motivate, inspire and equip our troops with all they need to become a 21st century army capable of dealing with our national security challenges.

“But as a Nigerian citizen, you have a part to play. You can say a word of appreciation to our troops today; you can say a word of prayer for them. You can help them with information. Your expression of faith in their ability to defeat our common enemy is a morale booster that only you can provide.

“Those of us who are active on social media, do not talk down on, or ridicule the great efforts that our troops are making to protect and defend our country even at the risk of their own lives. And whenever you see a military officer, never underestimate the power of these kind words:” ‘Thank you for serving.’ ”

Speaking further, Obanikoro said: “I have always said that the war against terrorism is not a war that should be left in the hands of our government or our troops alone. I say this with the knowledge that beyond the efforts of our troops on ground, counter-insurgency is the art of mobilizing and winning public support.”