The Nigerian Army says it is set to launch Operation ‘Last Hold’ in Borno state. It said the exercise is targeted at the final destruction of Boko Haram insurgents in the Lake Chad Basin area.
Major General A.M. Dikko, who represented Lt. General Tukur Burutai, the Chief of Army Staff, said this on Tuesday at a press briefing.
Dikko said the army was conducting other counter-insurgency operations in the North East, including LAFIYA DOLE, which he said has recorded considerable successes.
“The aim of Operation LAST HOLD is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist sect in northern Borno,” Dikko said.
“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 general area.”
He also said the operation will facilitate their rescue of hostages and restore social activities in the area.
“The operation will also facilitate the rescue of hostages. 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”, he said.
He added, “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.”
The Army also assured the safety of the people in Borno state, saying such had been factored in the operation.
Newsbreak.ng recalls that the Nigeria Army recently concluded its Exercise Ayem Akpatuma (Cat Race) in Benue, Taraba and Kogi states.
