"We Are Ready To Defend Maiduguri" - Nigerian Military

Following Boko Haram takeover of some towns in the North, the  Defence headquarters, DHQ, yesterday,  declared that the troops are ready to fight and reclaim these troubled towns.

The current spate of insecurity in the country, most especially in the North East has caused panic as many residents have fled their residence for fear of being killed by the sect.

However,  the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) who reportedly said the troops have recorded major progress in the war against terrorism, yesterday, in a statement, gave a reassuring message.

“Situation in Mubi, Michika, Bazza, Gulak, Gwoza, Bama, Gamboru Ngala and other parts of the North East is being stabilized. Citizens are nevertheless enjoined to remain vigilant as they go about their lawful business as highly coordinated air and land operations are ongoing. The efforts are yielding impressive results in the overall move to rid area of terrorists."

Meanwhile the DHQ reacting to report that the Boko Haram has put Maiduguri under seige said: “Alarmist report on foreign and online media on Maiduguri is clearly intended to cause panic in the city and the nation. All facets of security arrangements for the defence of Maiduguri has been upgraded to handle any planned attack or attempt to disrupt the city’s prevailing peace. This kind of alarmist report is uncalled for in view of the efforts and alertness”.

The military authorities further said that all members of the armed forces deployed to the North East have been put on high alert and they were ready for immediate action should the need arise.

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The DHQ said the ongoing fight against Boko Haram in the trouble states under the siege of the sect is being stabilized through air and land attacks against fleeing and dying terrorists. "The efforts are yielding impressive results in the overall move to rid the areas of terrorists’ activities”.

Aside the alertness of land troops, it was gathered that Nigerian Air force fighter jets and Helicopter gunships were on a 24 hours standby for airlift and attack operations at the signal to take off.

Meanwhile, contrary to claims that troops have recaptured Bama town from the insurgents, a group under the aegis of ‘Bama Development Foundation’ BDF has insisted that the town is still under the control of Boko Haram.

Addressing journalists in Maiduguri yesterday, Chairman of BDF, Mohammed Hassan said following Boko Haram attack on Bama on September 1st, the Nigerian Army resisted the insurgents for several hours, but were however overpowered, which led to the capture of the town by the terrorists.

READ ALSO: Survivors Of Boko Haram Narrate Their Ordeal

"Boko Haram is still in full control of Bama town. The insurgents are seen all over the town moving and patrolling the streets. We even learnt they shuttle between Bama and Gwoza town freely."

"The insurgents don’t allow anybody to come in or go out. They are on surveillance of the town moving everywhere all the time."

Mohammed Hassan has said several people have been killed in the attack, while some of those trying to escape shot dead, many others still being helped captive and some missing.

“As a matter of fact, we are calling on the state and federal governments to expedite action towards reclaiming Bama from the hands of terror as those in captivity are under serious trauma, starvations, distress with serious degrees of injuries, while those that died are yet to be buried.“After 11 days of the incident, no search and rescue operation was conducted”, Hassan stated.

There are reports that Bama women, children are ‘dying’ of hunger as Boko Haram tightens grip on town.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram Takes Over Catholic Church, Beheads Christians

According to the Chairman of BDF, Mohammed Hassan: “Majority of our people are hungry because they don’t have access to food and  water in their hiding places. Some are critically sick in their houses and can’t come out to access the government hospital or clinic. No staff or workers at the General Hospital."

Meanwhile according to Vanguard, Shehu of Bama who has assured his people that the troops will fight the terrorists is said to be trapped in Maiduguri as it was gathered he visited some of his displaced subjects who were being camped in Maiduguri.

On September 1, it was reported that the dreaded Boko Haram sect have taken over the second largest town, Bama in Borno state.

Source: Legit.ng