The Nigerian Army has discovered a plan by the
Boko Haram insurgents to attack 25 communities and villages spread across five
states in the troubled North-East zone.
A credible security source, who confided in our
correspondent on Thursday, said that the Boko Haram hit list was recovered by
Special Forces during an operation at the Balmo Forest.
According to the source, the targeted communities
are spread across five states of Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe.
The source said, “There are 25 towns and
communities mentioned in the Balmo Forest hit list of the sect recovered by the
troops.
“Seven of the villages are in Adamawa while the
rest are in four other states, all in the North East. The states are Bauchi,
Gombe, Yobe, and Borno.
“There is the general feeling that the names in
the list should not be released because it could cause panic, anxiety and fear.
“You know that people would begin to flee the
areas once they hear anything. I can tell you that not even one person would be
left in the places if you mention the names; and that is unnecessary now.
“What the authorities have done is to ensure that
the security presence in the areas is strengthened and the people get the
protection they deserve.”
Our correspondent could not get the Director of
Defence Information, Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade, to speak on the issue as the
calls to his mobile telephone indicated that it was either switched off or in
an area outside network coverage.
However, the Defence authorities said in some
late night tweets on Wednesday that soldiers had been carrying out regular
patrols in some of the communities in the general area such as Garkida, Vintim,
Kumare-Uba, Mararaba and Mubi.
It was stated that the troops destroyed an
armoured personnel carrier, some General Purpose Machine Guns, rocket propelled
grenades, improvised explosive devices and riffles used by the insurgents.
It was further stated that military was
intensifying both ground and air operations in the area.
The military authorities said that the recorded
clashes with the insurgents resulted in large casualties on both sides though
they were silent on the exact figure.
The tweets read, “An armoured personnel carrier
used by the terrorists was destroyed, general purpose machine guns, rocket
propelled grenades, IED, rifles.
“Communities and locations such as
Garkida,Vintim, Kumare-Uba; Mararaba and Mubi are under regular patrol and
surveillance.
“Meanwhile troops have continued their advance
backed with highly coordinated air strikes against the terrorists.
“Ammunition as well as bow arrows, locally made
pistols and guns captured from them have been taken into custody.
“The fierce encounter resulted in substantial
casualties including loss of lives and equipment on both sides.
“Troops in pursuit of terrorists had an encounter
with a group of them at Muva Junction yesterday.”
Source:
Punch
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