The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai has said that Operation Tura Takaibango (OTT) is to checkmate Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ activities in Northeast. According to him, the new operation has already commenced on January 3, 2021 in insurgency affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. Unfolding OTT Thursday at 27 Brigade Tactical Headquarters, Buni/Yadi in Yobe state, he disclosed that; “This new operation has become more expedient as it will boost the efforts of troops of the Theatre Command; Operation LAFIYA DOLE. “It will also enable us to deal with the emerging threats of the terrorists in the North Eastern part of the country.” He said OTT is meant to be theatre-wide targeting known insurgents’ enclaves/hideouts for neutralization and clearance. He noted that at the end of operation, it is envisaged that the people will be free to move about and conduct farming activities and other businesses. “There will be a secured atmosphere, devoid of any insurgents’ threat and harassment,” he assured, noting that the operation is set to be another remarkable one that could make the nation proud of the army. “We’re determined to sustain our constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation,” he said, as well as the army’s commitment to aid civil authority to restore peace and security in the Northeast. He therefore urged the people not to panic about the security, safety, as well as wellbeing of citizens living in rural areas. He said the rural dwellers in insurgency affected states have been deliberately factored in the planning of the new operation. “The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected terrorists/criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas,” he warned, noting that they are finding safe haven in some of the communities. He also reminded the public to report any suspicious activity or movement to nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. He assured that contact phone numbers would be made public to ensure cordial civil/military relations. He explained that the phone numbers of the Theatre and Sector Commanders in Operation Lafiya Dole, adding that the Nigerian Army short code Information and Call Centre 193 would also be made available to the public. While reviewing Operation Lafiya Dole, he said that there is steady progress, which has resulted in gradual return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes with attendant spike in socioeconomic activities. He said that the activities have led to improvements in the living conditions of people across the state. “The daily bombing activities by the terrorists in areas outside the North East, including North West and North Central especially Abuja has been curtailed,” he said. According to him, the terrorists are being contained within the Operation LAFIYA DOLE Theatre, particularly in Borno State. On incessant attacks and abduction along the Maiduguri/Damaturu road, he said: “The current threat if not neutralized could result in further attacks on more innocent civilian settlements. “The migration of terrorists into Yobe state and Borno south senatorial district, is also a threat to possibility of increased attacks on civilian communities,” he said. He noted that since OTT commenced January 3, 2021, remarkable achievements have been recorded. He said on January 6, 2021troops of 402 Special Forces Brigade had a fierce encounter with the terrorists that resulted in heavy defeat of terrorists. According to him, the defeat was the neutralization of 12 terrorists, with the destruction of a terrorists’ Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device and a Gun Truck. Other arms and ammunition recovered include an anti-aircraft gun, a General Purpose Machine Gun, 10 Ak-47 rifles, a hand grenade and a large cache of assorted ammunition. He added that based on credible information on Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists’ plans to attack Geidam town and neighbouring communities, troops were also mobilized to thwart their evil intention to invade the border community. “We prevented the loss of many lives and property on that Wednesday’s attempted attack on Geidam,” he said. He said the President’s continued support has significantly enhanced the capacity, combat effectiveness and morale of troops. He added that the Minister of Defense, the Chief of Defense Staff and other Service Chiefs have continued to support and cooperate with the Army.
