Why we can’t overrun Boko Haram in Gwoza, Bama, others – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that the need to reduce collateral damage has delayed the recapture of some towns and villages seized by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

Olajide Laleye, the Director, Army Public Relations, gave the explanation while fielding questions at a news conference in Abuja.

“We are not interested in collateral damage,” Mr. Olajide, a Brigadier General, said. “The Nigeria Army is very careful about collateral damage. To that extent, our operations are carefully planned to make sure that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.

“If certain areas have not been recaptured, it is because the Nigerian army is giving such areas very careful plans, the plans are ongoing.

“At the right time, you will see the outcome; we will not tell you, of course, beforehand, of what we intend to do; but you will see the outcome,’’ Mr. Laleye said.

The Nigerian military lost several towns to Boko Haram in Borno and Adamawa States during weeks of swelling takeover by the insurgent group.

Backed by local militias, the military recovered some key towns in Adamawa State, including Mubi and Hong.

Other local areas such as Michika remain under Boko Haram, while the militants also control large parts of Borno State, including Bama and Gwoza.

Mr. Laleye’s comments Wednesday were the first official explanations from the army why the insurgents have continued to control several towns despite the the military’s claim that it has the capacity to clear the insurgents from the northeast.

The comments also clearly refuted the claim by a presidential aide, Doyin Okupe, who said two weeks ago on television that government forces had since reclaimed Gwoza, Bama and other towns from Boko Haram. (NAN)