Boko Haram: Troops Search Houses in Maiduguri

By Paul Obi in Abuja

In a new move to fish out Boko Haram terrorists from their hideout, military troops under Operation Lafiya Dole yesterday searched some properties in Maidugiri, Borno State and other areas for the terrorists who might have used the metropolis as a hideout.

The move came on the heels of renewed onslaught against Boko Haram sect by the military troops.

Lt. Col. Kingsley Samuel of the Theatre Command under Operation Lafiya Dole explained that had to clear the area and ensure terrorists were taken out.

He said: “As part of ongoing counter insurgency operations, the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole has been conducting several clearance as well as cordon and search operations in urban and rural areas within the Theatre

“The operation was successfully conducted as over 30 houses were searched. One of such included a property which was said to be occupied by United Nations Staff, although the property did not carry a UN designation. 

“On the whole, operation in the general area was successfully concluded but no arrest was made because the suspects were not found”

“The clearance operations effort has been yielding several successes. It has forced the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to change tactics and resort to employment of suicide bombers to target military locations and the populace.

“This necessitated the need to intensify Cordon and Search in Maiduguri metropolis and environment. In the last one week cordon and search operations were conducted in Jiddari –Polo, Muna Garage, Jakana amongst several other areas.

Samuel explained that “on 10th August 2017, Theatre Command received information from one of its credible sources that some high value BHT suspects had infiltrated into Pompomari Bye Pass.

“It therefore became expedient to take preemptive action by combing the general area through a cordon and search operations.  

“The command wishes to assure the general public that these operations are being conducted to safeguard lives and properties but not targeted at any individual or group,” Samuel added.