Nigerian Military To End Boko Haram Before Elections

As Nigerians and the international communities continue to show concern for the safety of those living in the north eastern parts of Nigeria due to the upsurge of terror attacks being carried out in the region by the Islamis militants group, Boko Haram, the Nigerian military has revealed how it would end the terror group before next month’s general elections.

According to PRNigeria, a website that distributes press statements for the Nigerian military, a comprehensive onslaught against the Boko Haram group would be launched in the north eastern parts of Nigeria soon.

The website, in a report published on January 23, 2015, Friday, quoted a military source saying that government forces have finalized plans to conduct a “once and for all comprehensive operations” towards the elimination of Boko Haram terrorists in parts of North East.

This is coming less than 24 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan’s National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, said the fight against Boko Haram insurgents has been undermined by “cowardly soldiers” who prefer giving every excuse in the world to fighting the extremists.

PRNigeria disclosed that the new military plan came as the Jonathan administration became so worried by the activities of Boko Haram, especially after viewing the latest video from the terror group, in which its leader, Abubakar Shekau, claimed they have enough weapons to overrun Nigeria and its neighbours.

The report said the military plan has been approved by the federal government, and has also received the assurance of cooperation and support of Cameroun, Niger and Chad, who now appear to have realised the danger posed by continuing to allow terrorists free movement across the borders.

“Nigerian military is reviewing strategy in the combat against terrorists to accommodate joint and combined operations with neighbouring military organisations.

“Massive deployment of air and amphibious assets are expected to feature in the operation,” the source was quoted as saying. 

It was also gathered that the Defence Headquarters has changed the General Officer Commanding the 7 Division, the leading formation in the counter-terrorism campaign, in preparatory to the new plan.

According to the source, deployment for the mission will facilitate the elimination of safe haven and escape routes of Boko Haram terrorists within Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

PRNigeria also reported that innocent citizens living in terrorist-infested areas are expected to vacate temporarily to safer towns.

Meanwhile, Defence spokesperson, Chris Olukolade, while speaking to PRNigeria, declined comment on details of the operation.

Olukolade however said the military would not relent in its efforts to restore peace to every part of the country.

He also admitted that all the countries bordering Nigeria are willing to compliment Nigeria’s efforts as terrorism has remained a menace or threat to all in the region.

It would be recalled that the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, in a new video released this week, threatened more terror attacks in north eastern Nigeria.

The Islamist sect has killed thousands of innocent lives through terror attacks carried out across Nigeria since 2009.