The Defence Headquarters disclosed that Boko Haram terrorists or the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) is not holding any territory in Nigeria, saying the country is under control.
Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu , Director of Defence Information, made this known on Monday during a press conference at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Nwachukwu said the outlawed terrorists remain decimated, stressing that the military is not resting on its oars to ensure that they are completely wiped out.
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He said: “Boko Haram is not holding any territory, any itch of our territory in this country. I want to make it very clear that Boko Haram and ISWAP have been decimated. They have been depleted and been pushed into what we call the tumbles.”
According to him, the terrorists usually hibernate in the nation’s neighbouring countries before carrying out their dastardly acts on soft targets. While reiterating his earlier claim that Boko Haram isn’t holding any territory, Nwachukwu explained that the terrorists usually keep surveillance on some soft targets before striking.
Earlier, The Herald reported that barley 24 hours after Christian leaders in the north asked President Muhammadu Buhari to present Leah Sharibu to the Christian community as their Christmas gift, Defence Headquarters disclosed why the victim is still the terrorists’ captivity.
Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, who addressed reporters on the Defence Headquarters Coordinated Joint Operations, stated that the rescue operation has lingered because troops are cautious not to put the lives of the victims, including Sharibu in danger.
The Herald gathered that Nwachukwu said troops of Operation Lafiya Dole were working tirelessly to ensure that Sharibu and other persons in the captivity of Boko Haram were rescued alive.
He said: “Troops of operation lafiya Dole troops have been treading cautiously because these people are all in the hands of the terrorists and any reckless move may result in their annihilation by the terrorists just to ward off the troops, it is a very complex and risky operation but the troops are working day and night to ensure that they are rescued.”
The Defence spokesperson also countered the claim by the Borno Governor, Babagana Zulum that Boko Haram is occupying two local government Areas in the state.
Nwachukwu said that Boko Haram has been decimated and forced into the Tombus Island on the fringes of the Lake Chad from where it launches feeble attacks on soft targets.