Nigerian Army Promise To Reclaim Lost Grounds From Boko Haram

Defence Spokesman, Major-General Chris Olukolade, on Wednesday, said the Nigerian Army will soon reassert Nigeria’s sovereignty in portions that have been violated illegally by Boko Haram.

 “We are definitely working to reverse all those tendencies. We are not conceding any portion of this country to a group of terrorists and the required operation to reverse that is ongoing,” he said.

Olukolade assured that the army “will reassert, in a short while, the sovereignty of any part of the country that has been violated illegally by some irresponsible elements.”

Speaking in a telephone conversation on Channels, Olukolade said, “we are working to ensure Gwoza as a town, its surroundings and other portions that terrorists seem to be moving around are secured,” while he assured Nigerians that “we are sure we will accomplish it in a short while.”

He said the loan sought by the Presidency became imperative, as the funds would be used to upgrade equipment to meet the challenges of the moment.

He also noted that “on a regular basis, we require and we are sure we will get the regular upgrade that is required to conduct this operation properly,” adding that “we are encouraged that political authorities and Nigerians have appreciated the need for the military to be properly equipped to handle this operation.”

He said the military was already receiving upgraded weapons, but stressed the need for the soldiers to “upgrade their response.”

He also debunked reports that Nigerian soldiers fled to Cameroon after a gun duel with suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno State.

The Defence Headquarters had, on Tuesday, confirmed the return of the troops from Cameroon, adding that they were addressed by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major-General John Zaruwa, as they embarked on another mission in the counter-terrorism campaign.