Reports of troops withdrawal from areas of combat “misleading” —Nigerian Army

The Army said on Sunday debunked what it described as a misleading report that troops have been withdrawn from combating insurgency in some affected areas in the country.

Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi spoke when he led reporters on a visit to Magumeri, Gubio and Benisheik, headquarters of Magumeri, Gubio and Kaga Local Government Areas.

Adeniyi addressed the troops at the 5 Brigade Battalion and interacted with members of Gubio community during the visit.

He dismissed as “misleading” reports indicating that the Army had withdrawn its personnel from the affected areas, which exposed the communities to insurgents’ attacks in recent weeks.

Adeniyi frowned at social media reports on troops’ withdrawal, noting that such misinformation created fear in the society and aided the insurgents’ atrocities.

The commander explained that the army, as part of its new strategy, had set up “Super Camp”, shifted trenches and mobilised troops on mobile patrols to counter insurgency as well as protect lives and property in the theatre of operation.

“Nigerians need to understand that the army did not withdraw from Magumeri, Gubio and other locations in Borno and the Northeast, as erroneously insinuated.

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“The troops are now on mobility operation instead of staying in trenches in one location; the mobile troops would be moving to take the fight to the insurgents, protect roads and communities so that people can go about their normal life without fear.

“The new measure will enable the troops to dominate everywhere; deny the insurgents freedom of movement, enhance rapid response and render assistance to their colleagues when called upon in good time.

“It is true that the insurgents attacked Magumeri and Gubio. There were no loss of lives on troops and civilians. Unfortunately, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was killed and six other persons sustained injuries, either from stray bullets or while trying to escape.

“The insurgents torched some targeted residential homes and public buildings in response to the owners’ allegiance to the government and the nation.

“Markets stores are stock with food items and other essential commodities but they were not looted or destroyed by the insurgents,” he said.

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