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DailyLegendng
The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi says the critical military objective of total defeat of the Boko Haram and Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North East is already being achieved.
Speaking at the Joint World Press Conference on Tackling Insecurity in Nigeria on Monday, Magashi said counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the zone now known as Operation Hadin Kai, had undergone series of reorganisation, restructuring and resourcing to make it more potent.
He said that the strings of operational successes recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria had continued from January through August 2022.
According to the minister, the exultation of the troops of recent, by well-meaning individuals as well as reputable internal and international bodies, attest to the far-reaching military achievements recorded in the North East.
He said the synchronised ground and air operations had continued to inflict huge casualty on the terrorists and had been forcing many of them, including commanders and amirs, to surrender in droves, with members of their families.
“Whilst areas where terrorists hitherto had some freedom of action are being cleared, socio-economic life is gradually returning to most parts of the North East.
“Erstwhile Internally Displaced Persons are now returning to their ancestral homes to start life all over, in dignity, under safer and more secure environment.
“Generally in the past four weeks, more than 3,407 Boko Haram terrorists including members of their families have surrendered.
“Additionally, 66 terrorists were neutralized including one of the key ISWAP Commanders, Alhaji Modu Chaka Bem Bem and 20 of his fighters, while 55 were arrested and 52 civilians were rescued.
“Also troops recovered large quantities of ammunition and illicit drugs. The surrendered and arrested terrorists have been subjected to profiling and the relevant legal processes,” he said.
The minister condemned the unfortunate murder of Sheik Muhammed Goni Aisami by two soldiers of 241 Reece Battalion Nguru in Yobe, saying the armed forces strongly disassociated itself from the dastardly act and extends its sincere condolence to the family and good people of Yobe State.
According to him, the two soldiers have been charged and dismissed from the Nigerian Army and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.
“I therefore reiterate the commitment of purging the Armed Forces of any personnel of questionable character that would bring disrepute to the country,” he added.
DailyLegendng