Boko Haram: Borno Governor Claims Untrue – Nigeria Army

Felix Omoigui, a major-general and deputy theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, has cautioned Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State against demoralising soldiers with his comments.

Naija News reports that Zulum had accused soldiers of being behind an attack on his convoy in Baga.

He also accused the Nigeria military of engaging in farming activities in the town.

But the military after an investigation into the attack said the governor’s claims were untrue. The military stated that the attack was carried out by Boko Haram members.

Reacting, Maj. General Omoigui said such remarks would impact negatively on the confidence of the military.

He said: “The governor of Borno state believed these allegations levelled against troops of the 19 Brigade in Baga given his recent utterances,” he said.

“Remarks of highly placed persons are capable of demoralising the troops which would negatively impact on operations and the confidence of the locals in the military.

“Allegations of such nature could be avoided if the military authority was contacted on issues concerning troops activities before going public.

“The realisations that the allegation emanated from security agencies could trigger reactions and animosity among troops and attendant negative consequences.”

Omogui also said the allegations that troops were engaged in farming in the area were false, adding that the prohibition of troops from engaging in farming and fishing activities in area of responsibility is contained in the standing operating procedures.

He added that the military’s investigative team found that the entire area of Baga was too heavily mined with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to encourage any farming activity, and that 55 mines have so far been detonated since the town was reclaimed.