Boko Haram: Nigerian Military Satisfied With Security Forces’ Operations In Borno

soldiers-stand-in-miliary-camp-in-maiduguri-capital-of-borno-state-on-june-6-2013-afp-photoThe Nigerian military is satisfied with the pace of its operations against Boko Haram extremists in Borno State, Director of Defence Information, Chris Olukolade, has said.

Major General Olukolade said security forces have sustained the momentum of their onslaught against the terrorists, notwithstanding the reactions from the insurgents.

Officials of the military high command conducted tours on formations in Maiduguri Saturday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

“The bases we visited are part of the responses to the terrorist offensive and that is an achievement; the military had moved close to where the insurgents are”, Mr. Olukolade said. “It shows that the military had taken over the land”.

The military has been criticized over its handling of the conflict which has allowed Boko Haram operate in remote areas almost unchallenged.

The military has also come in for stinging rebuke after falsely claiming to have rescued more than 200 school girls abducted by militants from a government college in Chibok, Borno State.

The defence spokesman said the morale of the soldiers was high, adding that “we are expecting to see more successes from the troops”, according to NAN.

The news agency said the officials visited military camps in and around Maiduguri.

The group visited 7 Division Headquarters of the Nigeria Army, 7 Division Garrison, Military check points in and around Maiduguri, amongst others.

Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Mohammed, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, who was also on the tour of the formations, told the troops that the Federal Government was happy with their operations.

“That is why we are here to say a big thank you and to convey the appreciation of the whole country. I wish to say big thanks for your courage and dedication”, he said.

The journalists were also taken on night patrols by the troops which lasted from 9 p. m. to 12.30 a.m. around Maiduguri and its environ.