The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday said the violent herdsmen attacking some Nigerian communities may have links with the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
Buratai, who dropped the hint in Abeokuta while fielding questions from reporters shortly after his courtesy visit to Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, said the military authorities were already investigating the possible connection.
The army chief also declared that no community in Nigeria is currently under the control of Boko Haram terrorists, stressing that members of the sect have been fleeing due to military bombardment of their hideouts. He, however, urged Nigerians to be security conscious and always report movement of suspicious persons carrying arms about.
Buratai said: “We want to call on all Nigerians to be security conscious and to report any suspicious persons or group of people that are roaming about in their communities.
“One may not be too far from the fact that some of these herdsmen that are attacking communities across the country may have some affiliation with the Boko Haram terrorists. This we are further investigating and also pursuing them so that we can address the situation. “So, let’s be security conscious. Let’s report quickly movement of suspicious persons carrying arms, especially. If you suspect any individual within your community, you should be able to report immediately.
Timely information is very important. “We have our troops deployed in certain areas and I believe the police are working with them to be able to tackle any challenge that comes inimmediately.” Buratai, who highlighted the ongoing military offensive against Boko Haram sect in the North- East, said no territory was under the control of the terrorists.
He denied media reports that some villages in Borno State have been recaptured recently by Boko Haram. The COAS explained that though the terrorists were engaging in pockets of attacks, Nigerian troops were always on top of the situation and working with the multinational joint task force to stamp out terrorism in the country.
He said: “They (Boko Haram) didn’t capture any village. They went and attacked a small community in Borno State and our troops responded appropriately and we will continue to pursue them wherever they are.
“This situation may con tinue for some time; these are just pockets of them that sneaked out to go and commit such atrocities. Our troops are on top of the situation and we will continue to address such challenges.
“You know, generally, terrorism has no specific phase; they mix among the people anytime they want to strike, they sneaked out and commit such atrocities. So, I want to tell you that no community is under Boko Haram as at now. No local government or any ward that we can say is under any Boko Haram siege.
“Our troops are patrolling all those places and we are coordinating with the multinational joint task force to ensure that the borders are well secured and are blocked from any infiltration.”
Also speaking, Amosun stressed the need for the “nefarious activities” of the violent herdsmen to be checked. The governor, however, lauded the military for restoring sanity in the face of rising security challenges in several parts of the country.
