Authorities of the Nigerian military are optimistic that the raging insurgency may be over before May 29, next year.
The optimism is fuelled by the increasing number of mass surrenders by terrorists, intense air raids and ground attacks by troops, and other measures taken by the federal government to end the decade-long menace.
The Theatre Commander of “Operation Hadin Kai”, Major General Chris Musa, who spoke on the progress the military is making in the anti-insurgency war, however, blamed the setbacks recorded in the war in the North-East on bad roads and connivance with terrorists.
He lamented that the sad acts had slowed down military operations against Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State West Africa Province, (ISWAP).
In an interview with newsmen, Gen. Musa lamented that the lack of modern anti-Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) has also hampered clearance operations. “The Government needs to begin to address some of those factors that led to this strife; like poverty, illiteracy, hunger and all that”, he stated.
Musa said at least 98 IEDs have been removed in Borno State and attributed the recent successes against insurgents to the improved synergy among the Services and support from the locals, which he rated at 75%.
He further said more than 51,000 terrorists have surrendered comprising 11,000 fighters, and more than 20,000 kids fathered by them and the women.
The General, therefore, called on the Government to address the root causes of insurgency which he listed as: poverty, hunger and illiteracy, adding that the ill-gotten money from illegal markets fuels terrorists’ activities.
