Army warns against effort to derail counter insurgency

The Nigerian Army has warned that concerted efforts to derail the war against terrorism and insurgency will not be tolerated.

Army spokesman Brigadier General Sani Usman, in a statement on Monday said, “The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern the concerted efforts by some unpatriotic elements to politicise and derail the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.”

He explained that: “This is manifested in the recent systematic releases and recycling of old BHT propaganda video clips, old interviews of disgruntled and cowardly soldiers, as well as false and inaccurate news reports by some section of the media.”

“We regrettably further observed that the unscrupulous elements are also perfecting strategy to rubbish the government’s efforts in the provision of safety and security for her citizens,” he said.

He added that: “They are determined to dampen troops’ morale especially in the North East, so that the troops will become compromised against the war efforts and complicate the security situation in the country for selfish and cheap political gains and expediency.”

Usman said: “We would like to reiterate that Nigeria is at war with Boko Haram terrorists, in any form or guise that they may manifest and strongly warn these subversive elements to desist from these unwholesome efforts.”

“We would like to warn that the Nigerian Army will no longer tolerate these subversive acts and sabotage aimed at dampening troops’ morale, affect their performance and to finally abandon the war,” he said.

The army statement came hours after a news report that Boko Haram fighters seized Baga, Doron-Baga, Kross Kawwa, Bunduran, Kekeno and Kukawa towns of Borno State after three days of fierce battles from Wednesday to Friday last week.