Boko Haram, ISWAP Activities Have Been Seriously Curtailed – Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (Rtd), has disclosed that the Nigerian military has seriously curtailed the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) in the North-East.

Magashi stated that the success recorded was in adherence to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to the nation’s service chiefs during a recent meeting.

Naija News reports that the minister made this disclosure at the 2021 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Abuja on Monday.

He said that the activities of the insurgents have been reduced to the barest minimum, adding that peace is gradually being restored to all the troubled areas in the country.

Magashi expressed confidence in the ability of the military to wipe out the terrorists, urging the troops to continue to step their game in the fight against insurgency.

He said: ”I, therefore, want to implore you all to continue decimating the bandits, terrorists and insurgents within our country.

“It is imperative to state that the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province are being curtailed to the barest minimum in adherence to the Commander-in-Chief’s directives.

“I am confident in the capability of our Armed Forces to decimate these terrorists and this must be achieved soonest”.

The minister warned soldiers to ignore all forms of politics and remain professional in carrying out their duties of protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

Magashi also called for collaboration among the three Services especially in the conduct of various ongoing operations within the country.

He said: ”I must commend the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for putting in place measures to achieve this.

“However, more synergy is still required to ensure that all operations on the ground reflect that joint-ness in all ramifications for greater successes”.