TEXT OF MEDIA BRIEFING BY MAJOR GENERAL LEO IRABOR COMMANDER OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE TODAY SUNDAY 1ST MAY 2015 UPDATE ON OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE:
1. In the spirit of keeping you informed on
the activities of troops of Operation
LAFIYA DOLE, I wish to address you today
given that you are valued stakeholders in
the quest for peace and stability in the
North East of Nigeria. Since our last
meeting, troops have continued on the
path of success in the fight against Boko
Haram Terrorists (BHTs). It is my intention
to mention some of the operations and
the resulting exploits. Before that
however, I wish to inform you that troops
of Operation LAFIYA DOLE are conducting
operations in the heart of SAMBISA
Forest. Troops are deep into the forest to
smoke out BHTs. We shall bring you the
details subsequently. Meanwhile, the
outcomes of major operations in other
areas are as follows:
a. Following a tip-off, troops intercepted 4
female suicide bombers approaching
from SAMBISA in the general area of
JIMINI-BOLARI village. Two unexploded
Improvised Explosive Devices on the
suicide bombers were safely detonated
by own EOD team. During the incident, 2
women and a baby from NGAWAFETE
village were arrested after the blast as
they were seen approaching MADIYARI
village.
b. Also, a suspected BHT training camp at
MUDALLAH village in DIKWA LGA was
raided by troops on 1 April 16.
Consequently, troops made contact and
killed a suspected BHT Amir and 6 others
while capturing 5 of them. During the raid,
5 BHT vehicles and several BHTs flags
were destroyed. Also, over 1,000 civilians
held captive were rescued.
c. Similarly, on 3 April 16, Operation
LAFIYA DOLE troops conducted fighting
patrol to BOBOSHE, GARNA, KYARE,
GINBA and AJIRI villages. The patrol team
recovered 8 industrial gas cylinders and 5
regular gas cylinders at a primary school
being used for bomb making. Also, 3 BHTs
were captured while 4 motor cycles, 3
bicycles, a solar panel and 2 containers of
liquid herbicides were destroyed.
d. On 28 April 16, troops embarked on
fighting patrols in the general area of
BOGORO, DUGUNO 1, 2 and 3. On
reaching MBARAKA, they encountered
and cleared some BHT elements. The
troops proceeded to JADDA village where
they engaged and killed 4 BHTs. The patrol
team also discovered a big pit where the
BHTs used for dumping their victims to
die and rot. The patrol team later freed
some hostages and recovered an AK-47
rifle, 30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special)
ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62mm
(NATO) ammunition, 14 Dane guns, a
motorcycle, 2 solar panels, 120 litres of
AGO, some packets of panadol and a food
storage facility. During the operation, one
of our troops suffered gunshot wound
and was evacuated for medical treatment.
I am glad to state that he is in stable
condition and responding to treatment.
e. Similarly, on 29 Apr 16, our troops
busted a BHT logistics Base at Yerwa
where rustled cattle are held. The troops
also raided Kaluketu and the self styled
town of Abuja which is a BHT logistics
exchange points. At the end of the
operation 4 x BHT were killed, 2 x AK 47
rifles with 29 rounds of 7.62mm special
ammunition, one dane gun, bow and
arrows among others were captured. In
the same operation 2 x laptops
computers and 6 mobile phones were
also recovered, including a truck and 5 x
motorcycles.
f. On 30 Apr 16, a major BHT IED making
factory was uncovered in Ngala town.
Items discovered include 20 x gas
cylinders of various sizes already bored
for explosive insertion, primers, bolt and
nuts to make the IED lethal, gun powder,
electrical wires and tape recorders.
However, no arrest was made.
g. Also on 30 April 16, another fighting
patrol was carried out by troops around
WUMBI in KALA BALGE LGA. Own troops
encountered BHTs at TATAKURA village,
20km south-west of WUMBI.
Consequently, 9 BHT were killed in action
while 2 motor cycles, 3 AK 47 rifles, 1 FN
rifle, 1 GPMG, 1 RPG 7 bomb and 60mm
mortar bombs were captured. Sadly, 5
own troops were wounded in action and
are currently in stable condition receiving
medical attention.
h. Air Operation. The Air Component of
Operation LAFIYA DOLE has conducted
several missions with series of sorties in
support of the general operation within
the Theatre. Such include air interdiction
missions and armed reconnaissance
resulting in destruction of several BHTs
hideouts and suspected logistic storage
depots.
2. While thanking the general public and
members of the press for their untiring
support to the troops of Operation LAFIYA
DOLE, I wish to request you to reflect on
the direction of your support. Insecurity
and terrorism know no boundaries. Do
you report to support terrorism and
insecurity? Is your reportage intended to
disparage the noble men and women
working to ensure that peace and stability
are totally restored to our land? Do you
intend to contribute positively or work to
destabilize the morale of the courageous
troops? These reflections have become
necessary in the light of the context of a
few misguided ones, working to dampen
the spirit of the good work done by the
troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Some
have even, regrettably, reduced the
serious issues of national security to
comic circles and ‘hang outs’. It is
necessary for us to lay more emphasis on
solution rather than who to blame. Seek
to know and understand in order to
proffer solutions. Do not seek to know in
order to destroy. Given that there is time
and season, the current season is ‘value
addition’. Be a part of it.
3. The range of successes being recorded
is not without challenges. We however see
those challenges as opportunities. Our
leverage on those opportunities has
resulted in more successes. I therefore
enjoin you to be a part of the progress by
contributing positively. In Operation
LAFIYA DOLE, we understand the level of
trust and confidence reposed in us by
good Nigerians. That trust, under God, will
not be betrayed. We are closer to where
we are going than where we started from.
Your continued support and
encouragement will get us there faster.
4. Meanwhile, to the misguided BHT
elements, I wish to reiterate my earlier
admonishment that you give up your
ignoble adventure. Once again, you are
advised to surrender to the security
forces. Let me re-assure you that you
would be humanely treated in line with
international best practices and in
accordance with the International
Humanitarian Law.
5. Once again, let me commend the
invaluable support and contributions of
all stakeholders in this fight against
insurgency in the North East. I wish to re-
assure you that the Nigerian Military is
more than ever determined to secure our
great country. The support of President C-
in-C, President Muhammadu Buhari is
outstanding. We in Operation LAFIYA
DOLE are encouraged and remain grateful
to His Excellency. The direction given by
the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai
in this operation is unique, accounting for
the gains we have made and reflects the
support of the Chief of Defence Staff and
the Chief of Air Staff as well as the Chief of
the Naval Staff. We remain absolutely
loyal and committed to the cause for
which we are assigned to Operation
LAFIYA DOLE. Thank you.
LEO IRABOR
Major General
Theatre Commander
Operation LAFIYA DOLE
the activities of troops of Operation
LAFIYA DOLE, I wish to address you today
given that you are valued stakeholders in
the quest for peace and stability in the
North East of Nigeria. Since our last
meeting, troops have continued on the
path of success in the fight against Boko
Haram Terrorists (BHTs). It is my intention
to mention some of the operations and
the resulting exploits. Before that
however, I wish to inform you that troops
of Operation LAFIYA DOLE are conducting
operations in the heart of SAMBISA
Forest. Troops are deep into the forest to
smoke out BHTs. We shall bring you the
details subsequently. Meanwhile, the
outcomes of major operations in other
areas are as follows:
a. Following a tip-off, troops intercepted 4
female suicide bombers approaching
from SAMBISA in the general area of
JIMINI-BOLARI village. Two unexploded
Improvised Explosive Devices on the
suicide bombers were safely detonated
by own EOD team. During the incident, 2
women and a baby from NGAWAFETE
village were arrested after the blast as
they were seen approaching MADIYARI
village.
b. Also, a suspected BHT training camp at
MUDALLAH village in DIKWA LGA was
raided by troops on 1 April 16.
Consequently, troops made contact and
killed a suspected BHT Amir and 6 others
while capturing 5 of them. During the raid,
5 BHT vehicles and several BHTs flags
were destroyed. Also, over 1,000 civilians
held captive were rescued.
c. Similarly, on 3 April 16, Operation
LAFIYA DOLE troops conducted fighting
patrol to BOBOSHE, GARNA, KYARE,
GINBA and AJIRI villages. The patrol team
recovered 8 industrial gas cylinders and 5
regular gas cylinders at a primary school
being used for bomb making. Also, 3 BHTs
were captured while 4 motor cycles, 3
bicycles, a solar panel and 2 containers of
liquid herbicides were destroyed.
d. On 28 April 16, troops embarked on
fighting patrols in the general area of
BOGORO, DUGUNO 1, 2 and 3. On
reaching MBARAKA, they encountered
and cleared some BHT elements. The
troops proceeded to JADDA village where
they engaged and killed 4 BHTs. The patrol
team also discovered a big pit where the
BHTs used for dumping their victims to
die and rot. The patrol team later freed
some hostages and recovered an AK-47
rifle, 30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special)
ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62mm
(NATO) ammunition, 14 Dane guns, a
motorcycle, 2 solar panels, 120 litres of
AGO, some packets of panadol and a food
storage facility. During the operation, one
of our troops suffered gunshot wound
and was evacuated for medical treatment.
I am glad to state that he is in stable
condition and responding to treatment.
e. Similarly, on 29 Apr 16, our troops
busted a BHT logistics Base at Yerwa
where rustled cattle are held. The troops
also raided Kaluketu and the self styled
town of Abuja which is a BHT logistics
exchange points. At the end of the
operation 4 x BHT were killed, 2 x AK 47
rifles with 29 rounds of 7.62mm special
ammunition, one dane gun, bow and
arrows among others were captured. In
the same operation 2 x laptops
computers and 6 mobile phones were
also recovered, including a truck and 5 x
motorcycles.
f. On 30 Apr 16, a major BHT IED making
factory was uncovered in Ngala town.
Items discovered include 20 x gas
cylinders of various sizes already bored
for explosive insertion, primers, bolt and
nuts to make the IED lethal, gun powder,
electrical wires and tape recorders.
However, no arrest was made.
g. Also on 30 April 16, another fighting
patrol was carried out by troops around
WUMBI in KALA BALGE LGA. Own troops
encountered BHTs at TATAKURA village,
20km south-west of WUMBI.
Consequently, 9 BHT were killed in action
while 2 motor cycles, 3 AK 47 rifles, 1 FN
rifle, 1 GPMG, 1 RPG 7 bomb and 60mm
mortar bombs were captured. Sadly, 5
own troops were wounded in action and
are currently in stable condition receiving
medical attention.
h. Air Operation. The Air Component of
Operation LAFIYA DOLE has conducted
several missions with series of sorties in
support of the general operation within
the Theatre. Such include air interdiction
missions and armed reconnaissance
resulting in destruction of several BHTs
hideouts and suspected logistic storage
depots.
2. While thanking the general public and
members of the press for their untiring
support to the troops of Operation LAFIYA
DOLE, I wish to request you to reflect on
the direction of your support. Insecurity
and terrorism know no boundaries. Do
you report to support terrorism and
insecurity? Is your reportage intended to
disparage the noble men and women
working to ensure that peace and stability
are totally restored to our land? Do you
intend to contribute positively or work to
destabilize the morale of the courageous
troops? These reflections have become
necessary in the light of the context of a
few misguided ones, working to dampen
the spirit of the good work done by the
troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Some
have even, regrettably, reduced the
serious issues of national security to
comic circles and ‘hang outs’. It is
necessary for us to lay more emphasis on
solution rather than who to blame. Seek
to know and understand in order to
proffer solutions. Do not seek to know in
order to destroy. Given that there is time
and season, the current season is ‘value
addition’. Be a part of it.
3. The range of successes being recorded
is not without challenges. We however see
those challenges as opportunities. Our
leverage on those opportunities has
resulted in more successes. I therefore
enjoin you to be a part of the progress by
contributing positively. In Operation
LAFIYA DOLE, we understand the level of
trust and confidence reposed in us by
good Nigerians. That trust, under God, will
not be betrayed. We are closer to where
we are going than where we started from.
Your continued support and
encouragement will get us there faster.
4. Meanwhile, to the misguided BHT
elements, I wish to reiterate my earlier
admonishment that you give up your
ignoble adventure. Once again, you are
advised to surrender to the security
forces. Let me re-assure you that you
would be humanely treated in line with
international best practices and in
accordance with the International
Humanitarian Law.
5. Once again, let me commend the
invaluable support and contributions of
all stakeholders in this fight against
insurgency in the North East. I wish to re-
assure you that the Nigerian Military is
more than ever determined to secure our
great country. The support of President C-
in-C, President Muhammadu Buhari is
outstanding. We in Operation LAFIYA
DOLE are encouraged and remain grateful
to His Excellency. The direction given by
the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai
in this operation is unique, accounting for
the gains we have made and reflects the
support of the Chief of Defence Staff and
the Chief of Air Staff as well as the Chief of
the Naval Staff. We remain absolutely
loyal and committed to the cause for
which we are assigned to Operation
LAFIYA DOLE. Thank you.
LEO IRABOR
Major General
Theatre Commander
Operation LAFIYA DOLE
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