Military Intensifies Pressure on Fleeing Insurgents, Spread Dragnet in North-east

Following massive aerial and artillery bombardments that triggered a mass exodus of insurgents from the North-east to Central, West African sub-regions and Sudan, military authorities at the weekend spread their dragnet across the North-east region with the commencement of “Öperation Positive Identification” designed to track fleeing insurgents. 

The Nigerian Army had warned communities within the theatre of war against harbouring fleeing terrorists. It said dire consequences awaited those collaborating with insurgents. Specifically, it said the insurgents were escaping and taking refuge in the residences of some persons in Maiduguri, Damboa, Gajiram, Monguno, 

Damasak, Biu, Gwoza Dikwa, Benisheikh, Ngamdu, Bama, Gamboru, Konduga, Gajigana, and other smaller towns in Borno State.  

Army headquarters said some of the terrorists also fled  to Damaturu, Gujba, Buni Yadi, Buni Gari, Gashua, Kanamma, Yususufari, Goniri and Kukareta towns in Yobe State, among others.

As a follow up measure, Operation Positive Identification is aimed at searching for and arresting terrorists on the run.

An update issued by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole, Col Ado Isa, said the move was informed by intelligence reports that showed that the insurgents were hibernating in some towns and villages in Borno and Yobe States.

“The operation is aimed at searching for and arresting all suspected erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP criminal elements that roam some parts of the North-Eastern part of the country.

“This has become necessary following credible information that some of the fleeing criminals are hibernating in some towns and villages of Borno and Yobe States in particular and North East in general,” it said.

The command urged members of the public travelling around the North-east to carry valid means of identification. The Army statement said those who are not positively identified would prompt further scrutiny and comprehensive investigation.

“Consequently, members of the public are enjoined to always carry valid means of identification when moving or passing through the states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. Our troops have been instructed to strictly check valid means of identification such as national identification card, voters’ registration card, drivers' license and international passports, or other valid official identification, before allowing such person passage.

“We therefore once again enjoin all to fully cooperate with troops and security agencies in carrying out this exercise. The Theatre Command also wish to state that anyone not positively identified will attract further scrutiny and comprehensive investigation to determine his or her activities with the insurgents or otherwise.

It urged the public “to bear with this measure as it is in their best interest and our national security, as well as efforts to end the madness called insurgency as perpetrated by the erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters”.