Authorities of the One Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, today told traditional and religious leaders in the state to be watchful in order to be able to foil the activities of members of the terrorist sect, Boko Haram, who are currently being smoked out of their strongholds.
The General Officer Commanding, One-Division, Kaduna, Maj-General Adeninyi Oyebade, at a meeting with the leaders in Kaduna, urged them to be monitor the movements of people in their communities.
“We must keep our eyes open and our ears to the ground, mobilise our communities to ensure that they report anything unusual or any suspected person or group of persons within your locality,” he stated.
At the meeting were leaders of the Jamatul Nasril Islam, Christian Association of Nigeria from Igabi, Kaduna North and South Local Government Areas and traditional rulers from Kawo District, Kaduna South.
Oyebade noted that since the military intensified its onslaught on the insurgents, members of the the sect had been in disarray, saying it was necessary to inform the community and religious leaders of what to do in the prevailing circumstances.
He added that the military would ensure that the insurgents, would not flee from their North-East stronghold to the North-West.
As stated by him, the meeting was aimed at finding ways of collaboration with the leaders on how to fish out the fleeing members of the sect that might seek refuge in their domains.
The GOC noted that the sect capabilities had been decimated, noting that the isolated killings and bombings by the terror group were signs of a dying monster.
Oyebade added, “As you maybe be aware, my area of command covers the entire North-West, but since Kaduna is the headquarters of the North, and is also where I have my headquarters, I believe that it is a good idea to start my security initiative, which the President has mandated me, in Kaduna.
“It is in the news the fast gains we are making in finishing the Boko Haram menace in the North-East. The terrorists are being beaten in dizzying succession and I have every confidence, God willing, that we shall end the insurgency before the end of this year.
“Hundreds are surrendering each week, and their bases captured and destroyed. The days of their impunity is getting to an end. So, all these bombings you hear them doing in markets, or going to kill some people in isolated villagers are all signs of the last kicking of a dying monster.”