The army has announced that it is ready to launch Operation Last Hold to put an end to the activities of Boko Haram insurgent.
Major General AM Dikko, who represented Lt. General T.Y. Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, said this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole Complex.
Major General Dikko said that the Nigerian Army was conducting several counter-insurgency and other operations, most prominent of which is Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East region for some years, which has recorded considerable success.
“Accordingly, this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2018 will be commemorated with the conduct of an operation tagged Operation LAST HOLD in Northern Borno within the North East Theatre,” he said.
“The design is to deploy personnel and equipment to showcase the combat efficiency of the NA and thereafter conduct operations to totally destroy Boko Haram locations in the Lake Chad Basin general area. It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram Terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin general area. The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages. ”
“The aim of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist sect in northern Borno. This will pave way for the return of local administration and people to their responsibilities and communities. Strategically, the conduct of Operation LAST HOLD will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin.
“Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps back to their communities. Operation LAST HOLD is conceptualized to involve the conduct of population influence activities targeted to improve Civil-Military relations in the North East region.”
Dikko then encouraged Nigerians to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities in their environment.
“In this regard, law-abiding members of the public in Northern Borno State are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being have been deliberately factored in the operation,” he said. “The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected insurgents may be fleeing from military operations in the North East and finding safe haven amidst our communities. The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action.”
Nigeria Army had concluded its Exercise Ayem Akpatuma (Cat Race) in Benue, Taraba and Kogi states.
