By: Gbenga Akingbule
The notorious Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists operating in and around the North-East region will face a renewed military offensive as the new Theatre Commander, (TC) Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj Gen.Ibikunle Ajose, takes charge in Borno State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the new leadership has vowed to intensify ongoing military operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace across the region.
Maj Gen. Ajose said there would be no hiding place for the terrorists while taking over the mantle of leadership from his predecessor, Maj. Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar in a colourful ceremony held at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Gen. Ajose said his priority would be to build on the gains recorded by his predecessor by sustaining and intensifying military operations aimed at dismantling Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists from their enclaves and degrading their operational capabilities across the North-East Region.
He, however, extended an opportunity for terrorists willing to renounce violence and surrender to do so, assuring that appropriate channels remained open for those prepared to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
” I’m not a stranger to this theatre following my command of 5 Brigade and Chief of Staff, Special Forces Command here in Borno State. I’m familiar with the terrain, the people and the complexity of the threat.
” I intend to build on the successes of my predecessor by sustaining pressure on those who choose violence while keeping open a dignified pathway for those who choose to surrender . ” Gen. Ajose said .
The new TC who promised to protect the vulnerable residents who had been sacked from their communities by terrorist attacks also vowed to support ” returns that are voluntary, safe and sustainable”
Earlier , the former TC highlighted the key achievements recorded during his tenure, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists which include the ” neutralisation of over 1200 JAS and ISWAP terrorists including some notable key leaders and the recovery over 500 assorted weapons and over 25,000 rounds of various calibres
The Theatre Command under the leadership of Gen. Abubakar also intercepted over N350m from terrorist financiers and ensured successful return of over 7,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their communities that were once invaded by rampaging terrorists.
