The Theater Command, Operation Lafiya Dole has explained that contrary to the comments attributable to Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State that withdrawal of troops, led to the abduction of 110 girls of GGSTC, troops earlier deployed in Dapchi were redeployed to reinforce troops at Kanama following attacks on troops’ location at the Nigerian – Nigerien border.
“This (troop’s redeployment) was on the premise that Dapchi has been relatively calm and peaceful and the security of Dapchi town was formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Division located in the town” the Command said.
“Troops’ redeployment was therefore done in tandem with the exigencies of operation and not as misconstrued.
A statement signed by Col Onyeama Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations said, “It is thus obligatory, to state that the allegation reportedly attributed to the Governor of Yobe state is misleading and misinforming.
“We reiterate our commitment and determination to carrying out our mandate to fight Boko Haram terrorists in the north east.
“We also implore members of the public to continue to support us with credible information on the whereabouts of the Boko Haram terrorists.
“We would also like to assure the parents, government and the good people of Yobe State and indeed members of the public that we will not rest on our oars in the search and rescue of the abducted school girls and any other persons held captive by the terrorists.
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Nwachukwu said, “The attention of Headquarters Theatre Command Operations Lafiya Dole, has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Gaidam, Executive Governor of Yobe State, currently circulating in the media, in which he reportedly alleged that the withdrawal of the military was responsible for the recent suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ attack and abduction of female students from Government Girls Science Technical College in Dapchi .
“This allegation is not only unfortunate but also very far from the truth
“Although this Headquarters will not attempt to join in any blame game, it is very expedient to set the record straight for the benefit of posterity.
“In carrying out its mandate to counter terrorism and insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, Operation Lafiya Dole has been alive to its responsibilities vis a vis the fight against Boko Haram insurgents.
“Several communities and Local Governments that were hitherto under siege of the insurgents have been liberated and the insurgents pushed out.
“While troops continue to trail and decimate the remnants of the insurgents in the hinterlands, the security of the liberated communities and towns fall in the hands of the sister security agencies.
“The recent dislodgement and further decimation of the insurgents from their enclaves in the Sambisa and the Lake Chad Islands are testimonials to the effective operations of troops against the insurgents.
“Additionally, troops are regularly conducting long-range patrols, raids and ambushes to canalize and take out fleeing insurgents.
“Given all these efforts, it is very astonishing and shocking that such unfortunate comment and allegation is been touted against the loyal and dedicated troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.
END.
