Military kills scores, arrests 26, rescues 801 in Borno

Chief of Army Staff, Gen. T. Y. Buratai

•Clarifies deployment of troops in S’East

•Biafra agitators vow to proceed with protest

The military says scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been killed with 26 others arrested in various ground and aerial operations in Sambisa Forest in the last two weeks.

The Theatre Commander of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maj-Gen. Lucky Irabor, who disclosed this at a news conference yesterday in Maiduguri, said 801 hostages were also rescued during the offensive before resettling them in refugee camps in Borno and Yobe states.

He said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets also killed several fleeing insurgents, adding that 32 of their horses were also killed in the process.He further disclosed that of the 26 arrested suspects, seven claimed to be internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Yobe.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has clarified the deployment of troops in the South East, saying the move was part of measures to curtail criminal activities in the region and ensure that the people observed a hitch-free Yuletide,

Speaking yesterday during the official launch of Operation Python Dance for the zone in Awka, the Anambra State capital, Buratai pledged observance of human rights by his men while the exercise lasts.

He reiterated that every action taken in the course of duty nationwide had been within the purview of the force’s constitutional roles, insisting that training was essential for their performance not only in administrative roles in the barracks but also on the field.

Earlier, Governor Willie Obiano recalled that his administration, through the assistance of security agencies, was able to check the high crime wave in the state two years ago, urging more support from the military.

Also yesterday, the Chief Ralph Uwazurike-led Biafra Independence Movement (BIM) vowed to proceed with its agitation the deployment of troops in the region notwithstanding.It made its position known in a statement issued in Owerri by its Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha.

(Guardian)