Move by members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), who were faced with the depletion of its fighting force and the reality of defeat, resorting to attacks on Boko Haram members and their families who had surrendered, has been foiled by military troops.
It was learnt that ISWAP employed the strategy of ‘terror within terror’ to discourage other terrorists with the intention of giving in.
According to the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, October 3, 2021, “the latest strategy is not unconnected with the frustration of the group, as top-ranking commanders and members denounce violent agitation to embrace peace in recent times.
“This palpable apprehension might have led ISWAP on Saturday, October 2, 2021, to embark on a mission to annihilate or capture BHTs (Boko Haram Terrorists), who surrendered in Damboa.”
He added that the superior firepower of gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, forced the terrorists to withdraw, they ensured that Damboa did not fall to ISWAP’s antics.
“The terrorists made futile attempt to access the facility housing the surrendered BHT members, but retreated when confronted with the superior firepower of own troops.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to reassure the good people of Damboa and environs to go about their normal businesses, as vigilant troops will proactively continue to provide security of lives and property. The general public are also enjoined to provide actionable and timely information on the activities of these criminal elements and their collaborators.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, while commending troops for their doggedness, charged them to take the fight to the terrorists’ enclaves to deny them freedom of action. He also reassured them of requisite support as they record more operational gains in Operation HADIN KAI,” Nwachukwu stated further.
