COAS: Boko Haram Not Controlling Any Local Government In Borno

 

Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai

Buratai was said to have been reacting to the statement of Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima, who told the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, over the weekend, that Boko Haram were in control of Abadam and Mobbar local governments in the state.

 Shettima played host to Lawal, who led a six-man delegation of the Federal Government inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari to commiserate with Borno and Adamawa states following the recent suicide attacks targeted at Mosques in the two states.

Shettima had said: “They (Boko Haram) are presently controlling two local governments in Borno State – Abadam and Mobbar – and partially in Marte.”
Buratai who spoke with news reporters immediately after addressing troops at the headquarters of 3 Division, Marxwel Khobe Cantonment in Jos at the weekend,claimed that the military had recovered all territories previously under the terrorists’ control.
He said: “It is not true. No Boko Haram is holding any territory. Have you heard them (Boko Haram) making any claims of late? We are more determined and we have more professional soldiers on the ground. We have been trained and equipped and ready to face the challenge posed by them.”


The COAS had said he was in Jos on a familiarisation visit and to acquaint the troops with his vision to reposition the Nigerian army.
According to Leadership, he stated that the Nigerian Army under his watch will be repositioned for more efficient service delivery, especially in the area of operations, administration and logistics.
Meanwhile, the COAS has said the military were determined to meet the set deadline of defeating the insurgents by December.

President Buhari has also  restated his confidence that the deadly Boko Haram insurgency will be eradicated by December. He opined that the army is well-positioned to meet the three-month deadline.