Service chiefs relocate to Borno

Service Chiefs have relocated to the theatre of operation against Boko Haram in compliance with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo’s directive.

Prof. Osinbajo gave the directive last week following the resurgence of Boko Haram activities.

A statement from the Defence Headquarters last night indicated that the service chiefs had started operating from Maiduguri.

The statement by Director of Defence Information, Major Gen. John Enenche said: “In compliance with the recent Presidential directive by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, to service Chiefs to move to Maiduguri, the epicentre of the North-East Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism Operation, the Service Chiefs have commenced the Command and Control of the Operation from the Military Command and Control Centre in Maiduguri.

“In this regard, the Chief of Defence Staff held a Briefing session with the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, the Theatre Commander and Senior Principal Staff Officers of the military high command at the Military Command and Control Centre on 1st August 2017, on the reviewed strategic direction and operational plans, in compliance to the directive of the Acting President.

“This move and action are expected to give impetus to the military effort in the North-East Operations. Consequently, the Defence Headquarters hereby appeal to the public and people in the areas affected directly by the negative acts of terrorism and criminality, to come forward with credible information that will further assist the security and response agencies to tackle this menace.

“It is necessary to point out some of key information required which include the following: a. Terrorists sleeper cell locations b. Terrorists concentration areas and outpost locations c. Collaborators and informants to the terrorists

1. Suspicious isolated settlements and camps outside normal living areas.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that peace and tranquillity are restored to the North-East. Thus the cooperation of the general public, particularly those in the affected areas is highly solicited. “