DHQ denies ceasefire with Boko Haram, ISWAP, others

…Troops neutralise terrorists’ commanders, 435 others

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Thursday mentioned the federal authorities didn’t enter any ceasefire settlement with Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province and different prison teams, insisting that operations in opposition to terrorists and kidnappers will proceed throughout the nation.

Some sections of the media had reported that the Federal Government had entered right into a secret ceasefire settlement with the Boko Haram faction led by Bakura Doro, which reportedly contributed to relative calm in components of the North-East for about three months.

The report, citing three individuals with contacts amongst senior Boko Haram members, mentioned the truce had been in impact since June and was anticipated to be prolonged.

Speaking on the joint safety briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, mentioned the navy was sustaining strain on the armed teams, citing the variety of terrorists neutralised, suspects arrested and kidnapped victims rescued throughout latest operations as proof that troops weren’t relenting.

“On the difficulty of whether or not there’s a ceasefire with Boko Haram, I wish to make it clear that there’s nothing like a ceasefire.

“Considering the terrorists neutralised, suspects arrested, victims rescued and different successes recorded throughout our operations, it’s clear that we aren’t relenting.

“We will continue to sustain pressure on these criminal elements,” he added.

The defence spokesman mentioned the navy’s operations weren’t restricted to Boko Haram and ISWAP but additionally focused kidnappers and different armed prison teams threatening the lives and safety of Nigerians.

“Our operations are not limited to Boko Haram or ISWAP. They also target kidnappers and other criminal elements who take up arms against innocent citizens,” Uba mentioned.

He warned that people concerned in prison actions would both be neutralised by way of lawful navy operations or dropped at justice.

“Anyone involved in criminal activities that threaten the lives and security of Nigerians will either be eliminated through lawful military operations or brought to justice,” he mentioned.

On experiences of insurgents shifting into components of the nation the place they have been beforehand much less lively, Uba described the event as proof of the impression of ongoing navy operations however mentioned the Armed Forces weren’t taking the scenario evenly.

He mentioned the navy was figuring out places the place the insurgents may need relocated to stop them from establishing new bases.

“The fact that some of them are leaving their former locations is a testimony to the successes of our operations. However, I assure you that we are not taking the situation lightly,” he mentioned.

Uba cited the latest neutralisation of a high-level terrorist in a forest space as proof that insurgents wouldn’t discover secure havens anyplace within the nation.

“What we are doing is mapping out all the locations where we believe they may have relocated and taking proactive measures to prevent them from establishing footholds in those areas,” he added.

The DDI additionally disclosed that latest changes to the Armed Forces’ order of battle, together with the institution of latest formations, battalions and items, have been aimed toward closing safety gaps and strengthening navy presence in susceptible areas.

He mentioned the navy would maintain its operations to stop terrorists from increasing their actions to different components of the nation.

Releasing the navy’s achievement mentioned troops executed 588 distinct safety operations in September and October.

He mentioned troops neutralised 435 terrorists and bandits, together with high-profile commanders equivalent to Ali Mandara, Abba Gajiri, Habu Ikkima, Nakif Yana Faruk, Commander Gogore and Abdussamad Ohida.

Uba mentioned troops arrested 809 suspects, secured the voluntary give up of 198 insurgents and efficiently liberated 717 kidnapped victims and captives.

He listed rescued victims to incorporate 20 potential NYSC members in Owerri, Imo State and 11 people in Danko-Wasagu, Kebbi State.

According to him, troops recorded main tactical breakthroughs in Buniyadi, Baga, Kukawa, Bittai and the Owo forest, which severely fractured enemy networks.

Uba mentioned that to dismantle their war-making capability, troops recovered 5,666 arms, ammunition, explosives and Improvised Explosive Devices, alongside important logistical belongings.