We Are Working For Rescue Of Ngoshe Abductees As Military Intensify Operations- Borno Govt

Borno State government has said that efforts are being made to ensure the return of the over 200 civilians abducted recently by Boko Haram terrorists at Ngoshe in Gwoza local government area of the state after an attack that claimed lives of soldiers and community members, including the Chief Imam of the community.

Addressing Journalists on Wednesday in Maiduguri, in view of the state’s extraordinary security council meeting held on Tuesday over the resurgence of Boko Haram / ISWAP attacks on various communities, the State’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, said while the State don’t negotiate with terrorists, it has urged the insurgents to free the captives unconditionally.

The Commissioner added that the terrorists released a woman among the captives who returned and explained that the rest in the hands of the terrorists are in good condition.

Prof Tar said the security council meeting attended by all include the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi, all heads of security agencies and heads of ministries, departments and agencies ( MDAs ) , who have mandate on security.

He said the security council reviewed the current security situation in the state, particularly the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in some fragile locations in the state , adding that council took stock of the recent attacks, especially loss of lives and property, as well as loss of military equipment, military and civilian casualties.

The Commissioner added that after extensive resolutions, council commiserated with the armed forces of Nigeria and civilian communities over the sad loss of some military commanders, soldiers and civilians as a result of attacks in some locations, especially in Ngoshe, Dalwa, Konduga and other places.

He added that council commended the theatre commander, military formations and other security agencies for their support in safeguarding lives and property in Borno state.

Prof Tar further said that council took note that recently, the theatre commander recently embarked on military mission in the Timbuktu triangle which led to the flushing out of the insurgents out of their safe heavens.

He said the council noted that the recent resurgence of attacks might not be unconnected to the fact that the insurgents are taking the heat from their safe heavens and are now attacking everywhere.

He said the council expressed deep concern with the escalation of insurgency in communities in fragile locations such as Ngoshe and Konduga now under fire.

” Council called on the Nigerian military and other security agencies to improve on their operations and tactics with a view to reversing the recent tides of Boko Haram attacks.

” Council took note that details of military operational plans and commended them for coming up with better plans. Council wish that in the coming days the situation will come under control.

” Council expressed concerns over collosal loss of critical assets and platforms as a result of the recent attacks and called that such don’t occur again. Council called on Borno security forum to sit down and come up with detailed tactical plans in order to halt attacks in locations, especially Maiduguri metropolis within the last 10 days of Ramadan”, said the Commissioner.