The war against the Boko Haram insurgents, is continually gaining impetus as Nigerian Army said it has successful captured Alargano, the spiritual headquarters of the Boko Haram Terrorists.
Addressing a press conference in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the head of the counter-insurgency operations in the North-East (Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole), Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor said the Nigerian troop offensive to capture Alargano initiated on March 18, 2016 has been successful concluded on Monday.
He said the offensive commenced on March 18, 2016 at about 0900 hour with troops of 3 and 7 Division assisted by air bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Irabor lamented that the advance was halted several times due to planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the routes leading to Alargano, revealing that during the operations troops had to clear Yajiwa, Joba, Mosa, Ariwuzumari, Missene Sansan and Kagalmari villages, all at the fringes of the forest.
He declared: “Our gallant troops finally entered Alagarno on March 28, 2016 during which several Boko Haram terrorists were killed along the route.”
The Army chief said: “This operation demystified the Boko Haram terrorist spiritual power base in Alagarno. Throughout the operation, the NAF monitored the operation, consistently resupplied the advancing troops as well as assisted in evacuating soldiers that were wounded in action.”
Irabor while claiming that the military has recorded tremendous successes against the insurgents, said in the last one month Nigerian troop captured Kumshe. He noted that this was achieved in conjunction with Cameroonian forces.
He said during the operation, 24 insurgents were killed with equipment which include one gun truck mounted with Anti-Aircraft gun, two AK 47 rifles as well as 60 mm mortar captured.
He said the capture of Kala-Balge on 23 March, 2016 by troops of 22 Brigade in conjunction with elements of Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF) Battalion and Army Headquarters Strike Group (AHQ SG) was another major advancement in the ongoing war on terror.
He said the military remains steadfast in ending the war on a successful note and recent video of Shekau showing remorse would not stop the force from stepping on the throttle to see the war through.
Irabor said: “The Theatre Command wishes to reassure the public of its untiring resolve to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerians in the North East. Regarding the online video clip purportedly released by the BHT leader or his replica showing remorse and making a dying testimony, let me unequivocally state that it does not have any influence on Operation LAFIYA DOLE as our gallant troops are determined to completely wipe out all terrorists in our great country Nigeria.
‘It is imperative to add that we shall not rest on our oars in implementing the directives of our courageous leaders, C-in-C, CDS, the COAS Lt Gen TY Buratai, and other Service Chiefs at ensuring that the BHTs are completely defeated and their remnants cleared wherever they hibernate.
“However, we are mindful that most of the BHT are tired of their ignoble adventure. We are ready to receive them whenever they so decide. Consequently, all would be terrorists, suicide bombers and other BHTs are advised to do away with their senseless venture and surrender to the security forces. For those ready to surrender, they are hereby assured that they would be humanely treated in line with international best practices and in accordance with the International Humanitarian Law.”
