– Boko Haram fighters hiding among innocent citizens
– Some communities accused of collaborating with insurgents
– Some insurgents already surrendering
The general officer (GOC) commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Msa Aliyu has said the ongoing offensive against Boko Haram insurgents is been delayed in part because the insurgents are hiding among innocent people.
General Aliyu added with no defined territory in the counter terrorism war, the army was being careful so as not to hurt innocent Nigerian citizens who they are fighting to defend.
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According to Peoples Daily, Aliyu who disclosed this in Damaturu the Yobe state capital said the indigenes of the state, especially the hunters were helping the military to identify who is who in the areas before going for an offensive.
He said following the counter terrorism offensive, insurgents have and will continue being killed and areas that were discovered to belong to them exclusively are being totally destroyed.
He also added that the overwhelming military power of the soldiers have forced some of the insurgents to surrender.
He however regretted that there was still pockets of collaboration between insurgents and local communities in some areas.
He made reference to the recent Boko Haram attack in Babangida town, the headquarters of Tarmuwa local government area, during which they attacked a police station and made away with 2 Hilux vehicles belonging to the police and also burnt down Airtel telecommunication mast.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Air Force destroys B’Haram base in Sambisa forest
The GOC said the division was is working hand in hand with the state government to sensitize and discourage the locals from aiding Boko Haram in achieving their aims.
Meanwhile, troops have killed 50 insurgents while rescuing 500 people in an operation around Mafa, Dikwa and Kala areas.
The areas were constantly terrorised by the Boko Haram terrorists. The interference of the army resulted in rescuing of over 500 people, mostly women and children.
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