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.
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