Abubakar Shekau’s arrest untrue, says Military

The Nigerian Military has reacted to the rumour that leader of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group, Abubakar Shekau, has been arrested by the Military.

Debunking the news, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation, LAFIYA DOLE, Lieutenant Colonel Kingsley Samuel, denied that such arrest was made.

In a statement he made available to National Daily on Friday, said “On 10th August 2017, Theatre Command received information from one of its credible sources that some high value Boko Haram Terrorists 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 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.

Lt Col Samuel reiterated that the military have been carrying out series of counter insurgency operations with a view to clearing the remnants of the terrorists.

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He explained, “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 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,” Col Samuel added.

He reiterated the command’s assurance that the operations was in the interested of the general public to safeguard lives and properties but not targeted at any individual or group.

Lt. Col. Samuel cautioned the general public to avoid peddling rumours which may cause disaffection and to remain law abiding.

Shekau has been allegedly killed several times by the military but suddenly resurfaced tormenting residents in the northeast and the military.