Nigerian Army soldiers have launched pre-emptive plans to block Boko Haram insurgents from escaping to Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba states.
All military formations in the three states have been put on the alert to be on the lookout for any fleeing insurgents to prevent any attempts to regroup.
The military authority has also concluded plans to fly wounded officers and soldiers in Borno State abroad for referral treatment. Some hospitals in Borno State and adjoining states are already treating the injured.
A military source, who spoke in confidence, said the incursions made by troops in the last two weeks have left the insurgents in disarray.
"From attacks and counter-attacks against the insurgents in the last two weeks, it is typically a war situation as earlier stated by the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima," a military source disclosed.
"The insurgents had been attempting to flee to the neighbouring states of Jalingo, Gombe and Bauchi to go and regroup. This is their usual technique.
"There is no more hiding place for these insurgents until they are routed out from their enclaves.
"It is purely an insurgency and not any religious war which must be curtailed once and for all."
The source said volunteers known as the civilian JTF have been doing well in helping to provide information in the zone and the state.
It was also learnt that the troops are also monitoring all market days in Borno and Yobe States where the insurgents get food supply.
The source added: "On each market day, there are usually flurries of attacks because the insurgents usually come to get food stuffs to re-stock. We want to cut the sources of their food supply. If it means shutting down these markets, we will do so. The only challenge we are having is that we do not want the innocent civilian population to suffer."
Meanwhile, one of the sources lamented that local hospitals are full of injured officers (majors, colonels and captains) with various degrees of injuries, but no adequate care is neither provided for them nor their families. The source called on the military authority to take appropriate actions,
In his response, the spokesman for Defence Headquarters, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said: "The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, and the service chiefs have placed premium on health care for the injured.
"In fact, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah on Saturday addressed the troops and assured them that all those injured or wounded who need referral service abroad will be accorded same. Lt. Gen. Minimah said irrespective of status all those wounded would be given full medical attention."
0 comments:
Spread Love, Laughter, Ideas not Hate...