New warfare
strategies adopted by soldiers of the Nigerian Army against Boko Haram fighters
in Northeast Nigeria is frustrating the sect into attacking hapless villagers,
the military has said.
The 21 Armoured
Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri on Sunday said it had introduced new
measures to counter Boko Haram attacks on civilians in the state.
The acting
Commander of the brigade, Ibrahim Yusuf, a Colonel, made the disclosure at a
news conference in Maiduguri.
He said “I want to
assure you that the army is doing everything possible to ensure that no
civilian is attacked by Boko Haram in the state because we are here to ensure
the safety of all Nigerians.”
He linked the
recent attacks on travellers and villagers by suspected Boko Haram militants on
highways to frustration.
The acting
commander said “most times, the Boko Haram members go to remote villages to
kill innocent civilians in cold blood because they have been frustrated by the
army.
“They cannot
operate in the open, so they vent their anger on innocent civilians.”
Yusuf, who said
that the military was equal to the task, noted that “we cannot be taken by
surprise by the Boko Haram, the recent attacks are nothing but signs of
weakness.
“We are also
evolving strategies to make sure that we prevent future attacks, no matter how
small.”
He said the army
was willing to give safe passage to members of the sect who wanted to quit.
“I want to assure
you that we will give a safe passage to members of the sect, including foot
soldiers who are ready to surrender.
“Those involved
can either surrender themselves at any military out post or go to their ward or
district head.
“Let me say again
that all those who surrendered will not be killed but will be given safe
passage,” he said. (NAN)
-Premium Times
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