Why We Have Not Recaptured territories held by Boko Haram – Army

The Nigeria army has said avoiding collateral damage in the killing of innocent lives has affected its strategy in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists in the north eastern part of the country.

Army spokesman, Brigadier General Olajide Laleye, made this known while fielding questions during a press conference at the army headquarters in Abuja.According to him.....

“We are not interested in collateral damage, the Nigeria army is very careful about collateral damage, to that extent, our operations are carefully planned to make sure that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.”
 “If certain areas have not been recaptured, it is because the Nigerian army is giving such areas very careful plans, the plans are ongoing, at the right time you will see the outcome.”“And I am very sure that fellow Nigerians will be pleased at the end of such operations that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum, law-abiding Nigerians are rescued from the hands of the insurgents and those places are completely freed from terrorism and insurgency,” 

Laleye said the recapture of towns which include: Gombi, Hong, Uba, Makera, Mubi, Holma and Vimtim previously held by terrorists, demonstrate the impact of new counter terrorism strategies being used by the army.

He noted that the success of military operation is dependent on troops discipline, patriotism and professionalism through enforcement of military regulation.

Laleye stated that three ongoing General Court Martial sitting in Abuja, Lagos and Jos are trying erring officers through international best practices in military law.