The Nigerian Army on Friday said it is launching a new exercise in the Lake Chad Basin area nicknamed “Operation Last Hold” to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram Terrorists still hibernating in the North East Borders.
The operation set to commence on May 1st 2018, is to end 31st of August 2018.
The Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Nuhu Angbazo and Chief of Training and Operations, Major General David Ahmadu, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, explained that the operation is tailored towards the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) back to their respective homes.
Angbazo said the Nigerian Army Day 2018 which is slated for July will hold in the theatre of “Operation Last Hold”.
He called on Civil Societies Organization and other relevant bodies to partner with the Nigerian Army towards the success of the exercise.
In his remarks, the Chief of Training and Operations Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. David Ahmadu said the Operation which is expected to last for four months will ensure the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorists.
He said, “It has become expedient for the Nigerian Army to change operating tactics, techniques and procedure in the North East region.
“Accordingly, the 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.
“The design is to deploy personnel and equipment to showcase the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Army and thereafter conduct operations to totally destroy Boko Haram locations in the Lake Chad Basin”.
He said during the exercise, the Lake Chad water ways will be cleared to restore fishing activities in the area.
“Also the exercise aims at clearing farmlands to enable farmers resume their occupation”.
Gen. Ahmadu pledged to ensure total security of lives and plants during the planting and harvesting period and urged residents of the area to go about their normal routine without fear.
The address by Lt. General Buratai reads, “You may recall that the Nigerian Army has been engaged in the conduct of counter insurgency operation tagged Operation Lafiya Dole in the North East region for some years with considerable successes.
“However, the complex and adaptive nature of the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in the dissident group still sometimes being engaged in abductions, attack on soft targets, Improvised Explosive Device attacks and suicide bombings.
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“It has become expedient for the Nigerian Army to change operating tactics, techniques and procedure in the North East region. Accordingly, the 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.
“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.
“Operation Last Hold is expected to last for 4 months and it will entail deployment of 6 additional manoeuvre brigades and other critical assets in Borno State.
“The operation is intended to facilitate the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels.
“It will also ensure the destruction of Boko Haram Terrorist camps and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin.
“The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages. The operational end-state of Operation Last Hold is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect.
“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 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.
“It is pertinent to note that Operation Last Hold is set to record remarkable achievements that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security.
“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.
“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.
END
