The Nigerian Army has sent out a very strong warning to the residents of Borno communmities to stop working hands in gloves with the terrorists group, Boko Haram, against the country, especially in Benisheik, Jakana, Mainok, Magumeri, Gajiram and Gubio, towns, whom were said to be harbouring “unpatriotic and heartless criminal elements.”
The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Faruk Yahaya gave the warning in a statement he issued on Friday via the spokesperson for the Theatre Command, Colonel Ado Isa.
The warning was said to have followed a meeting with components of the Multi-National Joint Task Force. According to the military authorities, the level of collaboration and support ranged from providing information and intelligence on troops and law-abiding citizens to logistics supply and trading with the terrorists. Read also: Boko Haram Attacks Are International Conspiracy To Divide Nigeria – Army Alleges
“We also wish to warn all groups or communities hobnobbing with Boko Haram/ISWAP to sever such relations or the military takes drastic action against such defaulters,” the Commander was quoted as saying, as he observed that there are “obvious implications and the dangers of collaborating with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and other criminal elements in the society.”
The army authorities also warned to come out hard on any community or groups that support the terrorists in any way or act as harbour zone for them. “Anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law as we will not tolerate anyone sabotaging our concerted counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts through collaboration with the Boko Haram terrorists,” he added.
