Boko Haram Steals Army’s Weapons - DHQ

 

The military authorities have said they are taking steps to secure all armouries in its various formations across the country, being aware that Boko Haram insurgents were in the habit of looting its armoury.

This was disclosed by Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade during his first real-time Twitter chat which held on Sunday night, September 28, Punch reports.
He said: “We are taking measures to ensure that our armouries are secured. We agree and are aware Boko Haram has stolen arms.”
According to Olukolade, the military is not happy with the looting of their arms by Boko Haram so inter-agency cooperation had been heightened recently to contain the menace.
“Interagency collaboration has been heightened; from all indications policing of our borders has increased. Our strategic information-sharing policy considers transparency, security, propriety and accuracy in reporting to the public,” he explained.
He however did not disclose the grades and name of the armouries that has so far be stolen by the Islamist sect.
He added that the military was watching its officers closely, both those in the frontline and rear, warning that any saboteurs among its officers and men engaged in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East, would be dealt with decisively.
According to Olukolade, there was no time frame to putting an end to the insurgency as terrorism is usually a long fight but the armed forces would not relent in its fight but will rather remain focused by maintaining the tempo of “firepower to ensure that Boko Harm is curbed.
He stated that surveillance and air operations were ongoing with a view to exerting control and ensure minimum collateral damage, while also insisting that the Defence Headquarters would not concede any portion of Nigeria to terrorists.
He therefore urged the media to be careful with its reports and not undermine structures, saying: “This is not the time to prove that the pen is mightier than the sword. Nigerian media should not undermine structures.”

In recent times Nigerian army has been dealing a heavy blow to the Boko Haram insurgents, killing many and seizing some of their weapons.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah had earlier in the month said most of Boko Haram weapons were stolen.