Army attacks Premium Times in Operation Lafiya Dole update

g. Interception of Suspected Rustled Rams/Sheep. On 16 Dec16 at about 1605hrs, own troops deployed at FOB DIKWA in conjunction with vigilante intercepted 57 rams and sheep at a BHT suspected crossing point along DIKWA – AJIRI road. The animals which are suspected to have been rustled were intercepted without owners and are currently in own custody to be handed over to the appropriate body.

h. Release of Detainees to Borno State Government. On 16 Dec 16 at about 1730hrs, a total of 299 cleared detainees were released to Borno State Government from our detention centre in Maiduguri. The released detainees were received by the representative of the state Government. In attendance were members of CJTF, affected LGA representatives and a team of UNICEF staff who donated some relief items to the released women and children.

i. Handover of IDPs. On 15 Dec 16 at about 0930hrs, a total of 116 men, 147 women and 248 children of Nigerian nationality were handed over to own troops at BANKI by Cameroonian Forces. They were screened and moved to the IDP camp. However, 8 BHT suspects were identified among them by the resident IDPs in the camp. The suspects are in custody undergoing preliminary interrogation.

j. Suspected BHT Escapees. On 16 Dec 16 at about 1305hrs following a tip off from locals, own troops in conjunction with members of vigilante apprehended 2 suspected BHT female escapees along AZARE general area. The woman revealed that they came out from Sambisa Forest. The escapees are undergoing interrogation.

k. Discovery of Ammunition. In the morning of today, 600 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition were discovered hidden in a plastic container and buried in a River around the Gwange area of Maiduguri. Investigation is on-going.

During our operations in the period 14 – 21 Dec 16, a total of 1880 civilians were rescued from BHT enclaves. Similarly, between 14 – 21 Dec 16, a total of 564 BHT members were arrested while 19 others surrendered to our troops. Also, 7 suspected kidnappers and 37 foreigners were equally arrested.

2. Road Construction. Own troops operating in Sambisa Forest embarked on earth road construction task to further assist our operations. The road construction is on different fronts.

3. Logistics Re-Supply. Within the period, some logistics items, including arms, ammunition and spare parts for equipment among others, were received.

4. Online Video Alleging Maltreatment of Soldiers. There is an online video circulated by some media organisations to portray the alleged maltreatment of soldiers by not providing them with water and food. The video clip was shot on 31 Mar 16, by some mischievous and disgruntled elements when our troops captured Alagarno Forest during Operation CRACKDOWN on 28 Mar 16. The Board of Inquiry which instituted to investigate the matter, actually showed that as at the time of the incident, the unit’s water tanker still contained water but a soldier mischievously concealed it. That soldier was charged and punished accordingly. In addition to the unit’s water tanker, a borehole was subsequently drilled at the location. It is disheartening that some malicious elements have decided to circulate it now that our troops are recording huge successes in the defeating BHTs, thereby creating the false impression that it is a recent occurrence. Let us know that issues of national security are serious and must be treated with caution. Those who are quick at circulating unsubstantiated occurrences for whatever reasons must be weary of the frankenstein monster. They may be the first to be consumed.

NEGATIVE AND MISGUIDED PUBLICATIONS 

5. I wish to observe the unfortunate development within a section of the Media who have, knowingly or unknowingly, chosen the negative path to incite the troops and denigrate the good efforts of Op LAFIYA DOLE. Specifically, Premium Times, have repeatedly shown a pattern of reports disparaging the very noble and gallant efforts of troops. It has consistently worked, in futility, to cause disaffection among troops of Op LAFIYA DOLE. During the setback in Gashagar, which I earlier informed the public, Premium Times worked to promote the evil action of Boko Haram Terrorists by its publication. Every publication from Premium Times either eulogizes Boko Haram or mischievously emphasise, beyond proportion, the challenges of Op LAFIYA DOLE. The latest being that Premium Times reported that:

a. ‘Gunshots, confusion in Borno as soldiers Fighting Boko Haram go on Rampage.

b. Nigerian Army General who lied about troops’ Mutiny escapes lynching by hungry soldiers’. 

6. What a hateful representation of the Medium’s wishes for the troops! Interestingly, on the said date of mutiny, I was in the frontlines in Bula Bello accompanied by the Ag GOC 7 Div and Comd 21 Bde, with the same troops that Premium Times claimed to have turned against their officers. One may ask, could it be that Premium Times is working to frustrate the gains that have been made in this operation? Is the platform not happy that the war is coming to an end? Could they be working with Boko Haram Terrorists to ensure that the morale of the troops are dampened at this crucial stage of ending the war? The rescue of over 1,500 people, capture of suicide Bombers alive among many other brave performances of troops are not worthy of Premium Times’ coverage? Was Premium Times established to promote evil and insecurity? These and many more are the questions the public may wish to find out from Premium Times. 

7. Whilst noting that the position of Premium Times is isolated, the rest of the Media have shown patriotism, commitment and support for the operation. I wish to therefore commend these patriotic Media Houses and urge them to continue in that regard. I equally wish to request the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the NUJ as well as other well-meaning Nigerians including those from the North East, to rise up and defend their national security interest that is being attacked using the instrumentality of the mischief being perpetrated by Premium Times.

8. To the members of the public, I urge you all to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of persons and objects to the military or to the nearest security agencies. The general public, especially the female students of our tertiary institutions, are urged to be weary of new subtle way of recruitment by suspected BHTs on the internet. Do not fall victim of such trap by being their agents or sympathizer. You have the ability to grow and be productive. Do not join them in any way because BHT ideology is ungodly and the end is always a wasteful life. The BHT may also disguise as menial workers when actually they are fleeing from our onslaught.

9. On this note, let me thank everyone and state that we remain ever committed to the mandate of Op LAFIYA DOLE. Thank you.

Leo Irabor, Major General

Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri

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