Fighting terrorism: FG succeeding in the North East, says the Defense Minister

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd), the minister of defense, has claimed that the crucial military goal of completely defeating the terrorists in the North East has already been accomplished.

He claimed that “coordinated land and air operations have continued to inflict significant deaths on the terrorists and have been pushing many of them, including leaders and amirs, to surrender in large numbers, with members of their families.”

He claimed that most sections of the North East are gradually experiencing a return to socio-economic activity after clearing out places where terrorists had previously enjoyed some freedom of movement.

The former internally displaced persons, or IDPs, are now returning to their ancestral homes to start life afresh with dignity in a better and more secure environment, General Magashi said during a joint media conference on combating instability.

“In general, more than 3,407 Boko Haram terrorists—including members of their families—have turned themselves in over the last four weeks.

“In addition, 66 terrorists were neutralized, including Modu Chaka Bem Bem and 20 of his fighters, one of the top ISWAP commanders, while 55 were detained and 52 civilians were saved.”

Large quantities of ammunition and illegal drugs were also found by the military. The necessary legal procedures and profiling have been used to the terrorists who have turned themselves in and been arrested.

The Minister stated regarding the terrible Sheik Muhammed Goni Aisami murder in Yobe State involving two soldiers from the 241 Reece Battalion Nguru, “The abhorrent act is highly condemnable and negates the ethos of the whole Armed Forces in all ramifications.

The Armed Forces firmly distance themselves from this heinous conduct as a result, and they offer their condolences to the victim’s family and the decent citizens of Yobe State.

The two soldiers were consequently charged, discharged from the Nigerian Army, and turned over to the Nigeria Police for additional inquiry and prosecution.