MAIDUGURI (Sundiata Post) – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has declared that the war against Boko Haram in the North East has now entered into mop-up phase of the operation.
To this end, Buratai stated that their target of defeating Boko Haram has been achieved except few setbacks of which the military is determined to complete clearances of the terrorist remnants.
He disclosed this on Wednesday at the maiden meeting with the Borno Elders Forum (BEF) at the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC), Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to him, two out of the three targets set by the military in the quest for successful Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CT COIN) operations in the north east, has been achieved. He listed the targets achieved to include military defeat of Boko Haram, and the ongoing rescue of all terrorists hostages with Chibok girls as a top priority.
He said: “The three things we promised you, two have been carried out. The first task is to defeat Boko Haram and I want to tell you that as at today Boko Haram has been defeated. When I said defeat it doesn’t mean that there won’t be hick-ups here and there but we are doing the mop-up operations. So we are at the mop up phase of the operation. We are also making efforts to rescue those who are being held hostage at some marked locations. We hope to rescue the Chibok girls but our target is not just limited to the Chibok girls but all the hostages.
“The second task is to support the civil authorities in caring and protecting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The last task is to help the civil authorities in restoring normalcy and rebuilding those areas that have been liberated. It has already commenced as you had the Minister of Defence setting up a Committee. Most of these liberated areas like places like Bama, Gamboru Ngala, Baga, Mongonu, are deserted because they are afraid that they could be attacked. So we will embark on confidence building to encourage them to come back by assisting the civil authorities.”
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Speaking further, Buratai appealed to the Borno elders for support and to exercise patience to allow the military complete the work of clearing the region of terrorist activities and restoring normalcy.
He explained the reason why some markets were closed, saying that Boko Haram weapons were discovered within those markets, which he insisted must remain closed until the military completes their operations.
The Army Chief, however, commended the elders for their contacts and influence that have contributed to the return of socio-economic activities and return of some of the IDPs back to their homes
“You know the significant of Borno state to counter-insurgency efforts. Your role has been very vital in this military operation through your contacts. Without your cooperation and inputs this would not have been possible. You know the kind of damage this terrorism has caused this region and the state in particular.
“Thank God that today things are returning to normal, socio-economic activities are picking up and the IDPs are returning back. As at yesterday morning we have cleared many towns and rescued more hostages. We know it has not been easy as this affecting ou directly or indirectly. There are certain measures we need to take to control the flow of movements and logistics, to stop where these terrorists transact their markets. We have to close this market because we discovered these are where they conceal some of their weapons. We appeal to you to be patient with us for the closure of these markets until we finish our operations so that the socio-economic activities can fully return to normal,” he explained.
“Apart from few challenges like communication, mobility, and command and control have been addressed. We want to assure that the Nigerian Army will do its best to ensure that security is restored. We also continue to solicit your support to use your influence in support the state and federal government for the rebuilding of the area,” he added.
Responding, the chairman, BEF, Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, commended the COAS, saying there has been significant improvement since he took charge of the Nigerian Army.
Galtimari also said that the state of bombings has been drastically reduced with the overall state of security in Borno State significantly improved.
He said: “The COAS has given a very detailed run down of what is happening. We want to keep abrest of what the Nigerian Army was doing in the North East, and Borno State in particular. We know what it used to be before the current administration and since your arrival there has been noticeable changes. For the past few months there has been no issue of bombs except in few cases and around villages surrounding Maiduguri.
“The COAS has also touched on a number of issues. Let me stated on behalf of the elders that the indebtedness you people has put on us will only be compensated by the almighty God. We pray that God will help you to complete the work that Borno will return to what it was before the coming of Boko Haram.”