Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has announced that it has begun the process of asking military officers in key command positions in the north east to account for their actions
Defence Spokesman,Major General Chris Olukolade said in a statement Friday that ,“Nigerian officers in key command positions of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) are in the process of accounting for their actions leading to the loss of weapons, men and location in their area of responsibility in the mission area.
“This is a normal military procedure in major operations or after encounters. The essence is to extract and collate relevant information for subsequent missions. It could also lead to or determine appropriate disciplinary action where necessary”.
Reports today said the officers concerned have been arrested.They are known to be officers who failed to keep Baga during a recent Boko Haram attack.
Newsdiaryonline learnt that even Baga residents were shocked at the attitude of the soldiers there .The people were said to have noticed Boko Haram terrorists gathering at least five days before the attacks began and they alleged relayed the development to military authorities on ground who failed to act.
When Boko Haram attacks on Baga started it was civilian JTF that put up stiff resistsance for about 12 hours ,it was learnt.Soldiers did not support them.In fact the resistance of civilian JTF against Boko Haram ,sources said crumbled when civilians saw soldiers voting with their feet.This lack of support created room for Boko Haram to kill at least 2000 people,But the military put the death toll at 150.
Even more,Nigeria’s defence spokesman has dismissed reports by Amnesty International that the military ignored warnings of attacks as misleading.
Also, on Friday Olukolade said “An extensive mopping up operation to search for arms or stranded terrorists and other casualties is ongoing in Michika after troops sacked the terrorists who have been operating in the town and it’s environ.
“The main assault on terrorists main positions was concluded yesterday as many of them died in the combat.
“Troops who sustained injuries in the operation are receiving necessary medical attention. Other troops are continuing the pursuit of those who are on the run from the town. Normalcy has been restored accordingly”, the spokesman said.
