Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters,DHQ today gave one of the most reassuring messages in recent times concerning the battle with insurgents in the North East parts of the country.
In a tweet on its handle this evening, Defence Headquarters said Mubi, Michika, Bazza, Gulak, Gwoza, Bama, Gamboru Ngala and other towns and villages in the region are being stabilized through air and land attacks against fleeing and dying terrorists.
“The efforts are yielding impressive results in the overall move to rid the areas of terrorists activities.”
It however frowned at “alarmist report” by a section of the media to cause panic and chaos in the region by deliberately ignoring visibly formidable security measures and reporting negativity.
The tweet reads:“Alarmist Report on Foreign and Online Media on Maiduguri is clearly intended to cause Panic in the city and the nation.
“All facets of security arrangements for the defence of Maiduguri has been upgraded to handle any planned attack or attempt to disrupt the city’s prevailing peace. This kind of alarmist report is uncalled for in view of the efforts and alertness.
“Citizens are nevertheless enjoined to remain vigilant as they go about their lawful business.
“Meanwhile situation in Mubi, Michika, Bazza, Gulak, Gwoza, Bama, Gamboru Ngala & other parts of the North East is being stabilized as highly coordinated air and land operations are ongoing.
“The efforts are yielding impressive results in the overall move to rid the areas of terrorists activities”.
Boko Haram Still Controls Bama,Residents Say
A leader of Bama Development Association (BDA), Mohammed Hassan has however debunked claims that Bama has been retaken by the military. He said at a press conference, “From Monday to date, about 11 days now, Bama, the second largest Local Government area in Borno, is under the custody and control of the dreaded Boko Haram sect; this is the whole truth and nothing but the truth”.
He said after the seizure of Bama a fortnight now, no effort has been made by government troops to reclaim the commercial town and rescue women as well as children and aged persons .
Hassan said,”After 11 days of the invasion and take over of Bama, no search and rescue operation has been conducted; no damage assessment has been made, even though the security and welfare of citizens is the fundamental and constructional obligation of any meaningful government”.
He appealed for more action:”We are calling on state and federal government to expedite action towards reclaiming Bama from the hands of terror as those in captivity are under serious trauma, starvation, distress with serious degree of injuries, while on the other hand, those that have lost their lives are yet to be buried”.
