President Jonathan visits Boko Haram recovered territories in Adamawa and Borno

President Goodluck Jonathan this afternoon paid a surprise visit to Adamawa and Borno States.

Adamawa is one of the states currently being terrorized by members of the Boko Haram sect.
Jonathan was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki; service chiefs and the state governor, Bala Ngilari, among others.
 The President is said to be touring troubled towns in the state like Mubi and Vimtim among others.
A source said the visit was designed for the President to interact with soldiers in the battlefield and assess territories already reclaimed by troops from the insurgents.
It will be recalled that Jonathan had on January 15 paid a similar surprise visit to Maiduguri, Borno State believed to be the stronghold of the sect.
The president arrived Yola international airport at about 10.45a.m. Thursday, accompanied by the Chief of Defence staff and all the service chiefs and the inspector general of police. He later travelled by helicopter to Mubi.
At Mubi, Mr. Jonathan met with the Emir of Mubi, Isa Ahamadu, and the people of the area.
There were unconfirmed reports that the president visited Vintim village in Mubi, the home town of Nigeria’s Defence Chief, Alex Badeh.
And from Mubi, President Jonathan was to travel to Baga in neighbouring Borno State.
Baga was reclaimed by government troops last week after Boko Haram militants overran the town killing hundreds and displacing thousands.
Mr. Jonathan and his administration have been widely criticized for their handling of the Boko Haram crisis, and the failure of the government to stem attacks against civilians.
Ahead of elections, the government has apparently stepped up effort against the terror group with multiple towns liberated by soldiers.
The government has also announced new measures to raise the morale of its combat forces.
On Wednesday, the Army Chief, Kenneth Minimah, visited Baga where he announced that troops who liberated the town will be automatically promoted to the next rank.
A source said  “Of course the president will be going to Baga today but the trip is not being handled by us here. I believe it is not something big but just a confidence building visit for the troops,” the source said.
Mr. Minimah, a Lieutenant General, had said during his visit Wednesday that given the successes achieved by the troops in Baga, the president might likely visit the troops.