Why we have not taken over territories held by Boko Haram---Nigerian Army

The Nigeria army has said avoiding collateral damage in the killing of innocent lives has affected its strategy in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists in the north eastern part of the country.

Army spokesman, Brigadier General Olajide Laleye, made this known while fielding questions during a press conference at the army headquarters in Abuja.

Laleye reacted to a question alleging that some traditional leaders in the north east petitioned the military against excessive use of force in counter terrorism operations because of innocent citizens trapped in captured areas.

According to him: “we are not interested in collateral damage, 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.”

Laleye explained that: “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.”

“And I am very sure that fellow Nigerians will be pleased at the end of such operations that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum, law-abiding Nigerians are rescued from the hands of the insurgents and those places are completely freed from terrorism and insurgency,” he added.

Laleye said the recapture of towns which include: Gombi, Hong, Uba, Makera, Mubi, Holma and Vimtim previously held by terrorists, demonstrate the impact of new counter terrorism strategies being used by the army.

He noted that the success of military operation is dependent on troops discipline, patriotism and professionalism through enforcement of military regulation.

Laleye stated that three ongoing General Court Martial sitting in Abuja, Lagos and Jos are trying erring officers through international best practices in military law.

He said the strict enforcement of Service regulations and laws is paying off, explaining that cases of unprofessional conducts have reduced and troops fighting spirit, courage, determination and patriotism have been rekindled.

Laleye also spoke on the role of the army in the forth coming general elections in 2015. He said, “I want to assure Nigerians that there is no need to fear, perhaps the 2015 general elections would be the best election in the history of this country.”

He added that: “it will be free and fair, and it will be without violence, because all agencies including the Nigerian army, in fact the Nigerian military would do their job in accordance with the law, in accordance with the constitution of this Federal Republic of Nigeria.”