Nigeria Army Begins New Strategy to Prosecute Shekau, Other Terrorists

The Nigerian Army has inaugurated a manhunt for the 4th Batch of wanted Boko Haram terrorists.

It has also co-opted more Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members into its operation.

A banner showing photographs of the wanted terrorists was unveiled by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Wednesday, November 11, at the CJTF Super Camp Chabal, near Maiduguri.

The Infostride gathered that many terrorists like Abubakar Shekau, Abu AlBarnawi, Ibrahim Maryam, and Abu Sulum are also among the latest list released.
Some of the wanted terrorists on the current list had been on the watch list since 2016; while others were declared wanted for the first time.

The Chief of Army Staff, Buratai said that some of the terrorists that had been declared wanted since 2016; have either been arrested or killed in various operations while some had been on the run.

He called on members of the public; as well as the CJTF to support the army in fishing out remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists; the ones still hiding and operating within their localities.

Buratai also urged the troops to continue to deal decisively with the terrorists that were hiding in the forests.

According to him, the state government’s CJTF is partnering with the Nigerian Army to ensure the final onslaught on the Boko Haram terrorists.

The Chief of Nigerian Army Staff said that the history of CJTF dated back to the 18th century in Europe during wars where it was discovered that the volunteers were very key to the various wars that they had fought.

He said that the CJTF had been a major factor in the counter-insurgency operation in the North East; adding that they were instrumental in chasing terrorists from towns into the forest and bushes.

According to him, their knowledge of the terrain and that of the individual Boko Haram members across states of the North East is very key.

“It is very important that we must get them to play that important role; in identifying these terrorists and their influence from one position to the other

“As we collaborate today, this counterinsurgency should not be left for the military alone as its success does not fully lie with the military.

“The collaboration with the civil authority as well as the volunteers is a welcome development,” he said.

The COAS commended the governor for his effort in gathering the volunteers toward ensuring that the people return to their communities.

He assured that the collaboration between the military and the CJTF; as well as other security agencies would ensure the actualisation of the resettlement plan of the government.

According to him, an elaborate arrangement has been made for their welfare; as well as the equipment for them to operate effectively.

Zulum, while commending the effort of the military in the fight against insurgency; announced the donation of additional 100 motorcycles for the operation of the CJTF.

He also pledged to continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Army in his effort to resettle the displaced persons by the insurgency to their ancestral homes.