By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Military High Command says it is not aware of any community in the North Western part of the country that is negotiating or has entered peace deals with bandits and terrorists to keep them safe.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, stated this while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country on Thursday in Abuja.
Kangye said the military had never heard of any peace deal with families or communities, questioning why communities would go into such negotiations, given the efforts of the troops against the terrorists.
“The military is conducting its operations according to the rules of the game, and for the conduct of internal security operations.
“So, if any community talks about calling for peace with bandits, the military does not support that,” he said.
Kangye said the military in conjunction with hybrid forces, and security agencies, had continued their offensive against terrorists and other criminal elements through joint operations.
He maintained that the military conducted fighting and confidence building patrols, raids, ambushes and clearance as well as search and rescue operations with resounding successes during the week.
According to him, several terrorists were neutralised, their collaborators were also apprehended, while some kidnapped victims were rescued during operations across various theatres.
“The week also witnessed the handover of rehabilitated terrorists to the Borno Government.
“Gunrunners, oil theft collaborators and other violent extremists were also apprehended.
“Several close air support, armed reconnaissance patrols as well as air interdiction missions were conducted by the Air Component during the week,” he said.
The defence spokesman said the troops recovered huge cache of assorted arms and ammunition, comprising AK47 rifles, locally fabricated guns, dane guns, pump action, locally fabricated pistols and RPG tubes, amongst others.
He disclosed that ammunition recovered also included various kinds of 7,62mm ammo as well as RPG bombs.
“Between March 10 and March 19, scores of terrorists comprising adult males and females and some children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operation following the ongoing onslaught by our gallant troops,” he added. (NAN)