We have decimated Boko Haram’s leadership - Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army on Thursday said the leadership of the Boko Haram sect has been decimated in recent coordinated onslaughts against the strongholds of the insurgents in northeast Nigeria.

“It is…gratifying to say that most of the terrorist group leadership has been decimated [and] foot soldiers are abandoning their masters burying their weapons in the forest and seeking solace. Such intervention have cut the terrorists supply routes making them dejected, hungry with no capability to launch any deadly attack,” the Nigerian Army said in statement on Thursday.

The army reiterated its commitment to actualising the mandate given to the military by President Muhammadu Buhari to end the Boko insurgency by the end of the year.

It said “we are working round the clock to meet up with the deadline in total synergy and cooperation with other services and security agencies.

“We have recaptured Gomboru Ngala last Tuesday and we are now consolidating, mopping up and preparing for the next offensive against the terrorists.”

The Nigerian Army attributed its recent successes against Boko Haram to strong synergy between its troops and officers and airmen of the Nigerian Airforce. It therefore commended the officers and airmen of Nigerian AirForce in the North East who conducted themselves creditably and professionally.

The Nigerian Army said the bombardment of identified Boko Haram terrorists location, close air support, air surveillance and interdiction by the Nigerian AirForce have enhanced the operation, troops operational efficiency and success of the troops.

“Nigerian Air Force equally involved in the supplies of essential items, casualty evacuation, equipment& weaponry delivery in Operation Lafita Dole,” the Army said.