Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has declared Boko Haram terrorists; as criminals, rapists, kidnappers, armed robbers and murderers in the Northeast and country. Buratai made the declarations Friday, during his operational visit to the Theatre Command, Maiduguri. “The mode of operations of these elements, are sure of criminality among various communities affected by insurgency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states,” he said. Boko Haram insurgents had recently attacked Gurunde, Gajiram and Gubio communities in Borno, killing over a dozen soldiers and civilians. According to him, the referred criminals, bandits, insurgents as Boko Haram terrorists, are members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria. He said their membership to Islamic State, could amount to glorifying them in the country. “The criminals no longer even pretend to be championing any course other than murder and terror,” he said. He therefore, urged the people not to glorify these criminals by calling them any name other than criminals, kidnappers, and murderers and among others. He called on the media to note that given the criminal activities of terrorists, headlines, news covers, embossed electronic and print media could also amount to supporting terrorism. The support, according to him, however violates the “Terrorism Prevention Act.” He solicited for further understanding of all Nigerians. Continuing, he added: “The support of Nigerians in the counter-terrorism efforts of the military is highly appreciated.We ask for more understanding and cooperation of all.”
