Boko Haram Terrorists: Army Shut Down Cattle Market In Adamawa

Troops of the Nigerian Army in Adamawa State have reportedly shut down the Song cattle market for allegedly transacting with Boko Haram terrorists.

The army alleged members of the dreaded group were sending rustled cattle to be sold at the popular market hub.

Naija News understands that the shutting down of the market has caused a commotion as some traders alleged the action of the military, followed their refusal to yield to the army’s request of huge amounts to allow them to transact business.

An aggrieved trader who reportedly spoke to The PUNCH alleged that the soldiers had demanded millions of naira from the traders’ association overseeing the market, a request they did not yield to.

However, the Brigade Commander, 23rd Armoured Brigade, Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Brigadier General Aminu Garba, told newsmen that the market was shut temporarily to checkmate the activities of terrorists.

He said, “The market was closed for reasons of security concern. Intelligence confirmed terrorists are sending rustled cattle to sell at the market.”

When contacted about the development, the district head of Song, Alhaji Ahmadu Saidu, told reporters that he was yet to be briefed about happening in the market.

He, however, noted that the traders had refused to cooperate with the military.

“I’m not aware of any attempt to extort the traders. The soldiers informed me that they shut down the market to investigate something related to terrorism,” he had said.

Naija News recalls that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor has warned the Nigerian Military to prepare to face more challenges in 2022 than they faced in 2021.

The Military Chief told the armed forces that they won’t be relenting until all terrorists, insurgents, and other criminals threatening the peace of the country are totally eliminated.

Naija News reports that Irabor gave the charge in Abuja during his speech at the decoration of the newly promoted Air Force and Naval officers.

He explained that the federal government is committed to the war against insurgency and the military will be further rejigged to be able to combat the criminals.

He, therefore, charged the armed forces to expect more challenges in the new year as they discharge their duty of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

Irabor reminded the military men that their loyalty is to the constitution and the Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces.