Nigerian army steps up fight against terrorism

The Nigerian army has restated its determination to bring the ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations to a speedy and decisive end.

New strategies have been introduced in the ongoing war after formations and units involved were evaluated, and have impacted positively on the counter-insurgency operations in the country's northeast, Director of Nigerian Army Public Relations Brig. Gen. Olajide Laleye told reporters in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, Wednesday, Xinhua reported.

He said all the people involved in the operations in the region would undergo counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training before being deployed in the theatre of operations.

According to him, the need to reduce collateral damage has delayed recapture of some towns and villages seized by insurgents in the restive Borno state.

"If certain areas have not been recaptured, it is because the Nigerian army is giving such areas very careful plans. The plans are ongoing," he said.

"At the right time you will see the outcome. We will not tell you, of course, beforehand, of what we intend to do, but you will see the outcome," Laleye said, adding that Nigerians will be pleased at the end of such operations that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.

He assured that law-abiding Nigerians in those areas would be rescued from the insurgents, while those towns and villages would be completely freed from terrorism and insurgency.

Earlier, he said that six communities in Adamawa state have been recaptured, but the current military offensive would be sustained until the enemy was completely defeated.

Nigeria, which has a population of approximately 170 million, is facing major security challenges which are crippling economic activities in some states. The northern part of the country is plagued by violence, including attacks by the Boko Haram sect.