By Danlami Nmodu
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has reacted to the latest video released by Boko Haram leader,Abubakar Shekau .In the video.the ‘Shekau’ denied any ceasefire with the Federal government. He also reportedly said the kidnapped Chibok school girls have been married off.
The re-emergence of Shekau was shocking to many Nigerians because the military said recently he was dead.
In its reaction to the latest Shekau’ video, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters said in a statement by its Spokesman,Major General Chris Olukolade, “ The content of the video purportedly released by terrorist on Friday is being studied. Further information on subsequent position on the issues involved will be released as appropriate in due course.
The DHQ also insisted that there is an “ongoing mediatory efforts” .According to Olukolade, “The military will continue to accord due recognition to any ongoing mediatory efforts towards bringing our girls home and terminating the insecurity in parts of the country.
It was the Chief of Defence Staff ,Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh who announced that the Federal Government had reached a ceasefire deal with Boko Haram recently.
Actually ,even the United States reportedly acknowledged awareness about on-going ceasefire talks, believed to be anchored by Chad .Shekau’s claim in the latest video has left compounded the doubts about the ceasefire talks.Though, in spite of the talks, Boko Haram had continued to seize territories.It Over ran Abadam in Borno but multinational troops repelled the terrorists.
The sect afterwards succeeded in overrunning Mubi in Adamawa state to the shock of many.There are reports of humanitarian crisis resulting from fleeing Mubi residents including students of the university there.
However, the military has finally opened up over the fighting latest fighting in Adamawa and Borno States .It said “terrorists and criminals” are also part of the on going security breach.
General Olukolade said on Saturday,“Necessary deployment of troops and equipment is ongoing to reverse all recent violation and breach of security by terrorists and criminals operating in parts of the country.
According to the DHQ spokesman, “The highly coordinated air bombardment is already yielding required results in the mission to repel the unwarranted attacks on citizens especially in Adamawa and Borno States as land forces are also conducting mopping up operations to apprehend retreating terrorists and facilitate restoration of normalcy in some of the affected communities.
He assured Nigerians “that the military and security agencies remain committed and optimistic for positive outcome ofongoing operations.”
