Buratai: War against Boko Haram, Now at Mop up Phase

Vows to rescue all captives including Chibok girls

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has declared that the war against Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east has now entered into a mop up phase. To this end, Buratai stated that their target of defeating Boko Haram had been achieved except some few setbacks which the military was determined to complete.

He disclosed this yesterday at the maiden meeting with the Borno Elders’ Forum (BEF) at the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) in Maiduguri, Borno State.

According to him, two out of the three targets set up by the military in the quest for successful CounterTerrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CT COIN) operations in the North east, had 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.”

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 which had 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.

“Apart from few challenges like communication, mobility and command and control have been addressed. We want to promise 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 supporting 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 the state of bombings had been drastically reduced with the overall state of security in Borno State significantly improving.

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 have 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.”