Nahimat Adekoga
The Nigeria Army has disclosed that a total of 5,235 people have been rescued so far from Boko Haram terrorists.
The Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen yesterday in Maiduguri, Borno State, assured that ongoing suicide bombings witnessed in the country, would soon be halted.
Irabor informed that army had put in place mechanism to end the bombings, adding that troops have made appreciable success in the anti-terrorism war in north east.
He explained that in course of their recent operations, troops killed some terrorists and arrested one, who, according to him is assisting in investigation into cases of suicide bombings.
“The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have continued with the ongoing operations to clear the remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists. Since our last interaction, our troops have conducted many operations with immense successes.
“The impact of recent bombings in Maiduguri, though sad and unfortunate, was minimal due to the alertness of troops and other security agencies.
“Apart from the one wherein two Civilian JTF personnel were killed and some others wounded, only the terrorists died, while one was captured alive. The captured suicide bomber is assisting in the investigation into cases of suicide bombings.’’ he said.
The army boss, who commiserated with families of the recent suicide bombings victims, also urged members of public to be more conscious and alert to their environment.
Irabor called on the insurgents to surrender their arms, saying failure to do so would spell their doom as troops are more determined to clear remnants of Boko Haram.
“I wish to remind the general public to be more alert and security conscious with their environment, especially when a strange face comes around.
“I also commiserate with all the victims of the recent suicide bombings by terrorists within the theatre. We shall continue to work to ensure the safety of lives of every citizen.
“Let me once again use this medium to remind the remnants of Boko Haram that their miserable days are numbered because their future is going to be disastrous if they fail to surrender and lay down their arms.
“Let me therefore, encourage them to take advantage of this window of opportunity now to surrender as failure to do so would be hugely regretted,” Irabor said.
