Six Adamawa towns ‘still under Boko Haram control’

Six towns in Adamawa are still under the control of Boko Haram, Mike Omeri, director-general (DG) of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and coordinator of the national information centre, disclosed at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

The towns are Madagali, Gulak, Wagga-Mildo, Shelini/Vapra, Sabon-gari and Gubla.

Omeri also disclosed that 10 ten towns in Adamawa had been “liberated” from the grip of the sect.

The towns are Hong, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Michika, Shuwa, Wuro Gyambi, Gombi, Vimtim, Uba and Bazza.

Speaking on the successful repelling of Boko Haram militants in Maiduguri, Borno state on Sunday, he revealed that six towns in Borno had also been recaptured by Nigerian troops.

“In the last couple of days, the effort of the Nigerian military in checking insurgency in the northeastern states of the country has continued to yield tremendous results. Specifically, on Sunday, February 1, 2015, government troops from the 7 Division of the Nigeria army stationed in and around Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, successfully repelled a multi-pronged attack launched by Boko Haram from various fronts, including Malwa Damboa, Mafa, etc,” he said.

“These attacks, which were simultaneously launched by the insurgents, were ultimately aimed at overrunning the strategic town of Maiduguri, but were effectively resisted by our gallant troops, assisted by the local civilian volunteers.

“This brave action, in addition to the recovery of 3 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and 17 pick-up trucks, also resulted in heavy casualties on the side of the insurgents (the total figure of which is yet to be ascertained), as well as the recapture of the towns of Mafa, Gamboru-Ngala, Mallam Fatori, Abadam and Marte, while troops are advancing to retake other affected areas.

“The situation in Adamawa state shows that Hong, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Michika, Shuwa, Wuro Gyambi, Gombi, Vimtim, Uba and Bazza areas have been liberated from Boko Haram presence, while Madagali, Gulak, Wagga-Mildo, Shelini/Vapra, Sabon-gari and Gubla are still under Boko Haram presence. Other areas such as Kirchinga, Pallam and Mayo-wandu have remained calm and peaceful. Equally, in Yobe State government troops have recaptured parts of Gujba and Gulani which had witnessed Boko Haram presence.

“The latest attacks mark the second time of Boko Haram’s ferocious attack on the Borno state capital, within one week and it is worthy to note that the ability of the Nigerian military to resist these attacks has resulted in the recapture and liberation of several towns hitherto occupied by Boko Haram.

“The government highly commends the determination and loyalty of these gallant troops and local folks who ably defended their territory, in spite of the violence and intimidation unleashed by the insurgents. Government equally exhorts all citizens living within the areas experiencing the current security challenges and, even, those living outside such areas, to be more vigilant and continue to assist our troops and other security operatives in checkmating the activities of insurgents.”

Regarding development of regional and continental protocols and agreements on Boko Haram, Omeri said: “Most recently, there has been a commendable development in the determination of various stakeholders to tackle the menace of Boko Haram. The recent regional and continental synergy and resolutions to establish a multinational military force by Nigeria’s neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroun, as well as the AU decision on the matter are points of reference here.

“The Nigerian government is actively engaged in the strategic and operational planning of our regional force with Chad and Cameroun. We are working in partnership and full coordination with our multinational allies in a concerted effort to degrade the terrorist’s capabilities. This is one of many severe blows delivered on the terrorists, with more to come.

“In addition, the African Union Peace and Security Council, at the recently concluded 24th ordinary session, approved the mobilisation and deployment of 7,500 troops to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram. Consequently, the AU Peace and Security Council is billed to begin to meet in Cameroun today to authorise and finalise the concept of the operation in the fight against Boko Haram – a decision which has been welcomed by Ban Ki Moon, UN secretary general.”