Boko Haram's Plot To Attack 5 States Uncovered

Nigeria Defence spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade

The Nigerian Army has discovered a plan by the Boko Haram insurgents to attack 25 communities and villages spread across five states in the troubled North-East zone.

A credible security source, who confided in our correspondent on Thursday, said that the Boko Haram hit list was recovered by Special Forces during an operation at the Balmo Forest.

According to the source, the targeted communities are spread across five states of Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe.

The source said, “There are 25 towns and communities mentioned in the Balmo Forest hit list of the sect recovered by the troops.

“Seven of the villages are in Adamawa while the rest are in four other states, all in the North East. The states are Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno.

“There is the general feeling that the names in the list should not be released because it could cause panic, anxiety and fear.

“You know that people would begin to flee the areas once they hear anything. I can tell you that not even one person would be left in the places if you mention the names; and that is unnecessary now.

“What the authorities have done is to ensure that the security presence in the areas is strengthened and the people get the protection they deserve.”

Our correspondent could not get the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade, to speak on the issue as the calls to his mobile telephone indicated that it was either switched off or in an area outside network coverage.

However, the Defence authorities said in some late night tweets on Wednesday that soldiers had been carrying out regular patrols in some of the communities in the general area such as Garkida, Vintim, Kumare-Uba, Mararaba and Mubi.

It was stated that the troops destroyed an armoured personnel carrier, some General Purpose Machine Guns, rocket propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices and riffles used by the insurgents.

It was further stated that military was intensifying both ground and air operations in the area.

The military authorities said that the recorded clashes with the insurgents resulted in large casualties on both sides though they were silent on the exact figure.

The tweets read, “An armoured personnel carrier used by the terrorists was destroyed, general purpose machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, IED, rifles.

“Communities and locations such as Garkida,Vintim, Kumare-Uba; Mararaba and Mubi are under regular patrol and surveillance.

“Meanwhile troops have continued their advance backed with highly coordinated air strikes against the terrorists.

“Ammunition as well as bow arrows, locally made pistols and guns captured from them have been taken into custody.

“The fierce encounter resulted in substantial casualties including loss of lives and equipment on both sides.

“Troops in pursuit of terrorists had an encounter with a group of them at Muva Junction yesterday.”