Under fire Boko Haram turn arsonists: Army

By Rabiu Sani/Maiduguri

The Nigerian Army on Thursday said Boko Haram insurgents had resorted to arson in remote settlements in North-East, sequel to intensified military campaigns against them.

The army said on its twitter handle that the insurgents resorted to arson on thatched houses in rural settlements as troops fortified security to prevent them from infiltrating Maiduguri.

The army disclosed that the insurgents had on Wednesday, attacked Mamanti village on Maiduguri-Damboa road and burnt houses in the settlement.

It revealed that the insurgents fired shots to scare away the inhabitants, adding that two persons were wounded in the attack.

It added that gallant troops successfully repelled the attack and the insurgents fled.

“Frustrated by the current military deployments which have made most towns and villages impenetrable in the North-East, Boko Haram insurgents have resorted to arson on make shift houses in remote settlements,” it said.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday, approved deployment of a special force to further consolidate on the successes of Operation Lafiya Dole.

At an international conference on insurgency in Kano, President Muhammadu Buhari reaffirmed his commitment to ending Boko Haram insurgency, saying he would ensure that the menace was completely eliminated.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdurrahman Dambazau (retd), said the government was determined to end the sufferings of victims of insurgency, especially in the North-East worst affected

The conference was organised by the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Bayero University, Kano, in collaboration with Information Institute of Islamic Though, Nigeria Office and Kano State Government.

According to him, the Federal Government will do everything possible to ensure that victims of the attacks return to their respective towns and villages to enable them continue with normal life.

He noted that the activities of Boko Haram insurgents had led to destruction of schools, worship places and other public structures, and stressed the need for concerted effort to rebuild the places.

“We must continue to support our youths to make sure that lack of employment does not create problems to our country again.