Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, has said that a new strategy; has been adopted to counter resurgence of Boko Haram insurgency in some communities of Borno state. Adeniyi spoke Sunday, when he led journalists on a visit to Magumeri, Gubio and Benisheikh over the alleged capture of two council headquarters by insurgents last week. He also addressed troops of 5 Brigade Battalion and interacted with members of Gubio community, which was attacked last Thursday night. He said the reports indicating that the army had withdrawn its personnel from the affected areas which exposed the communities to insurgents’ attacks, “was false and misleading the public.” He therefore, frowned at social media reports on troops’ withdrawal, noting that such misinformation created fear among communities and aided the insurgents’ atrocities. The commander said that the Army’s adopted new strategy; was to set up “Super Camps” on wheels that could traverse difficult desert and forest terrains. He said the trenches were shifted, with the mobilization of troops on mobile patrol wheels to reach Boko Haram hideouts. “We’re also mindful of the protection of lives and property in the theatre of war,” he said. According to him, Nigerians need to understand that troops did not withdraw from Magumeri, Gubio and other locations in Borno and the northeast. Continuing, he added: “Our troops are now on mobility operation instead of staying in trenches in one location. “The mobile troops would be moving to take the fight to the insurgents, protect roads and communities so that people can go about their normal life without fear or intimidation,” he assured. He said the new measures will enable troops to dominate everywhere; deny insurgents the freedom of movement, enhance rapid response and render assistance to their colleagues when called upon in good time. He said the army had deployed additional patrol vehicles and equipment to facilitate smooth execution of the war against the insurgents. While calling on the communities to remain calm and cooperate with the troops, Adeniyi pledged sustain military presence in the areas, just as he called on the troops to be disciplined and dedicated, to ensure total defeat of the insurgents. The Garrison Commander, 7 Division, Brig-Gen. Igbinomwanhia said mobile troops under the Super Camp operation were being deployed on a 24-hour patrol shift at Njimtilo, Auno, Jakana and Benisheikh communities, to ensure safety of the people and motorists plying Maiduguri to Damaturu highway. He also told journalists at Benisheikh that the withdrawal of troops from communities was an unfound report to cause confusion and mistrust in the ongoing operations. Some farmers on Sunday were seen working in their farmlands, while traders and commercial vehicle operators continued with their businesses in Magumeri and Gubio towns.
