As the military continues to battle the Boko Haram Islamist sect in the three North-Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa where state of emergency has been declared, the Presidency has already declared the operations as having achieved a lot of success so far.
This was contained in a statement from President Goodluck Jonathan signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe, in which he expressed his appreciation to Nigerians for the state of emergency declared last week.
The statement read, “President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed gratitude to all Nigerians for the overwhelming support they have given to the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. The President also thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and many of its members, who have through calls and personal visitations, given solidarity and support for this extraordinary step taken by the President in order to halt the mindless killings, bombings and general insecurity that had prevailed in that part of the country.
“The President also notes with gratification the positive disposition and understanding of the governors of the federation, especially the Northern Governors Forum, Leaders and Elders in the North, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, cultural and political groups nationwide, including opposition political parties, civil society organisations and the media.”
Okupe said the President was appreciative of the efforts, loyalty, commitment and sacrifice of members of the armed forces and other security agencies, who had demonstrated commendable patriotism and gallantry in compliance with the order of the Commander-in Chief.
The statement went further saying, “Mr President also appreciates the encouragement by members of the diplomatic corps and international community, and promises that as a disciplined force, members of the Armed Forces will operate according to acceptable international rules of engagement and will pay particular attention to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the affected states during this period of emergency rule.
“Mr. President also notes that the efforts of the Armed Forces have already started yielding positive results, as available information confirms that the insurgents have been dislodged from their previous safe havens and camps, while many have been apprehended, and their activities in the affected states have been brought to a total halt.”
So far, the official numbers from the Nigerian military say that 14 terrorists have been killed in the fighting, as well as 3 soldiers killed and seven wounded.
A statement issued by Defence Headquarters Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said, “In the course of special forces pursuits and operations, a number of encounters have ensured since yesterday. After a mop up of scenes of battle, 14 terrorists were confirmed dead, while seven vehicles and 13 telephone handsets were recovered. A total of 20 terrorists were apprehended as they fled.
“Altogether, three soldiers died, while seven are wounded and are being treated in military medical facility, one soldier is missing,” he said.
According to him, “The Special Forces troops have continued the advance and attack on identified terrorists’ camps in the Northern part of the country. Patrols are also ongoing to secure towns and villages from infiltration, while curfews on identified flash points are being enforced,” he stated.
The statement read in part, “Dislodged terrorists have been noted to be in disarray with a large number of them heading backwards across the borders. There bases are being deserted but they are making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics including scores of vehicles in their holdings.
“Meanwhile the required reinforcement and logistics have been delivered to forces in front where the forces have been engaging a large number of heavily armed terrorists since yesterday.
“Defence Headquarters is quite satisfied with the high standard of compliance with operational order and strict observance of the rules of engagement so far.
“The forces have been directed to maintain the robustness of the patrols and enforcement of curfews where emplaced and ensure that civilians are kept out of harm’s way as much as possible,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, at least 2000 people have fled Borno State for neighbouring Chad due to the fierce fighting between the Nigerian military and the Boko Haram Islamist sect in Abadam Local Government Area in the Borno North Senatorial Zone.
According to a journalist travelling along the Nigerian – Niger Republic border who asked not to be identified told the online news site, Sahara Reporters that between Saturday evening and Sunday over 2000 locals from villages in and around Abadam local government area have fled their homes and crossed over into Niger Republic.
The journalist said that the locals, hearing the strange sounds of weapons and bombs being exchanged decided to leave, citing their recent experience of the Baga killings. He also said that the arrival of hundreds of soldiers in the villages made the villages uncomfortable.
The military was on the trail of the members of sect after they were dislodged from the Sambisa Game Reserve and other camps in the state on Thursday.
.The fleeing Nigerians, the source, said are camping in Bosso, Diffa State of Niger Republic.
“They are in hundreds and running out, some on machines, cars and bicycles and others on foot running out of their homes to Niger Republic,” he told SaharaReporters. “You know they are afraid of what happened in Baga, and they have firsthand experience because Baga is very close to their villages. They have been hearing gun sounds and heavy weapons being positioned,” the source added.
He also pointed out that these locals are not being given any information as to what is going on over the military following the declaration of a state of emergency.
Telecommunication services in Borno and Yobe States have been turned off for the past three days, making it hard to get information out of the state.