The Nigerian Army has been criticized in several quarters for allegedly being lackadaisical in its fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s north east. The army however said on Wednesday that the need to reduce collateral damage had delayed the recapture of some towns seized by Boko Haram.
Brig.-Gen. Olajide Laleye, the Director, Army Public Relations gave the explanation while responding to questions from journalists.
“We are not interested in collateral damage,” he said.
“The Nigeria Army is very careful about collateral damage, to that extent our operations are carefully planned to make sure that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.
“If certain areas have not been recaptured it is because the Nigerian army is giving such areas very careful plans, the plans are ongoing.
“At the right time you will see the outcome; we will not tell you, of course, before hand, of what we intend to do; but you will see the outcome,” Laleye said.
He however said Nigerians will be pleased at the end of the operations going on to dislodge the terrorists, such that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to restate its determination to bring this counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations to a speedy and decisive end.
“Equally, the Nigerian Army seizes this opportunity to reassure Nigerians of its preparedness to support relevant agencies in the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections,’’ he said.
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