Army Vows To Reclaim Territories Lost To Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army has vowed to do its best to regain all the Nigerian territories lost to terrorist group Boko Haram very soon.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, who appeared before the Senate Committee on Defence and Army, headed by Senator George Sekibo (PDP, Rivers East) admitted that the country had lost territories to the sect.

“We had a setback in Bassa that resulted in loss of territories up to Mubi and painful though but we are working very hard to retake those territories. And very soon we will reclaim those territories and indeed other territories that the insurgents have taken,” he said.

He assured that the Army will continue doing its best to win the war against insurgency and reclaim all lost territories.

“I want to continue to rekindle the confidence of Nigerians and particularly the ordinary Nigerians who have suffered the pains of this insurgency. The Nigeria Army will continue to do its best and strive to win this war and reclaim the lost territories.”

Meanwhile, Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence and Army, Senator George Sekibo had informed Minimah that Nigerians were getting impatient and irritated with both the military and the government over incessant attacks by the Boko Haram and the failure of the military to successfully defend the country.

“I believe that we are trying our best but is our best the best we can offer? What is happening is becoming increasingly difficult to explain to Nigerians. We want to be told what is happening. The insurgents are having a field day,” Sekibo said.

“We are aware that they (government) are releasing your funds to you because you have not complained. We also approved $1billion for the President to purchase arms and ammunition to fight Boko Haram. We are aware that your budget is being released to you. If you have difficulties you should tell us.

“The spate of insurgency, the way and manner the insurgents are taking areas, is getting worrisome. We want to know what is happening. We also want to know the issue of the reported cease fire. We want to know whether there was actually any ceasefire.

“We want to know whether there was a dialogue, the stage of the dialogue if any because few days after the announcement of the cease fire, the insurgents struck and have continued to strike,” said Sekibo.