INSURGENCY: Military steps up bombardment
*Says it is studying latest ‘Boko Haram video’
By Soni Daniel, Abiodun Alade, with agency report
The military, yesterday, said it had stepped up “necessary deployment of troops and equipment to reverse all recent violation and breach of security by terrorists and criminals operating in parts of the country.”
Soldiers in Yola, Adamawa State: Operational Commander, Brig-Gen. Fatai Alli addressing soldiers on arrival in Yola for the State of Emergency Operation yesterday. Photo: NAN.
In a statement on DHQ website, it claimed “the highly coordinated air bombardment is already yielding required results in the mission to repel the unwarranted attacks on citizens especially in Adamawa and Borno States as land forces are also conducting mopping up operations to apprehend retreating terrorists and facilitate restoration of normalcy in some of the affected communities”.
It explained that the content of the video released by Boko Haram on Friday was being studied, promising to release further information on subsequent position on the issues as appropriate in due course.
“The military will continue to accord due recognition to any ongoing mediatory efforts towards bringing our girls home and terminating the insecurity in parts of the country. Citizens are assured that the military and security agencies remain committed and optimistic for positive outcome of ongoing operations”, the DHQ said.
In a related development, Sunday Vanguard learnt, at the weekend, that disagreement in the three blocs within the Boko Haram leadership over the release of 219 Chibok girls and cooperation with the Federal Government to end insurgency may have been responsible for the renewed attacks in parts of the North-East.
It was learnt that while two blocs-the political wing and the Jama’atul Ahlus Sunna Lid Da’awatis Jihad, JAS – had agreed to enter into peace deal with the Federal Government and free the girls, the last bloc, loyal to Shekau and Ansaru, insisted on the arrest and prosecution of a former governor, whom they committed crimes against their members.
A security expert close to the groups involved in the negotiations said that the faction, which has many commanders and fighters, are unhappy with government for not arresting and prosecuting the said top politician but treating him as if he is above the law of the country.
The source said that the Boko Haram leadership was disappointed that government was rather wining and dining with the politician, who also has close links with some Nigerian neighbours while trying to make peace with them.
“Let me tell you the truth, some of the JAS and the political wing of Boko Haram had agreed to make peace with the Federal Government and release the Chibok girls to their parents but when those opposed to them learnt of it, they threatened to execute the commanders if they enter into any negotiation with the government,” the source said.
“The renewed violence unleashed on the country today is a reaction of Boko Haram faction opposed to those trying to seal a peace deal with the government in Chad.
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