Essential Ndubuisi
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The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has said no local government area in Nigeria is under the control of terrorists.
This is contrary to the claims by some governors, who said the Boko Haram/Islamic State for West Africa Province terrorists were in control of some local governments in their states.
Last year, the Chairman of the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Suleiman Chukumba, said over 500 communities in eight wards of had been taken over by Boko Haram and other insurgents.
Governor Abubakar Bello also raised the alarm that Boko Haram members had hoisted their flag in some communities in the Shiroro Local Government Area.
On January 13, 2022, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, stated that the Abadam and Guzamala local government areas of the state were under the control of the Boko Haram sect.
Irabor, who spoke at the 21st Century Chronicle Roundtable in Abuja, said security challenges in the country had been politicised.
He spoke on the topic, ‘Going for Broke: Fighting insecurity in Nigeria’.
Irabor stated, “I’m sure many of us remember the state of emergency imposed on local governments in the North-East zone, especially parts of Borno State, as well as Adamawa and Yobe states.
“That was the time when there was sort of confusion because never in our history have we had such a step. There were no measures and protocols outlined to manage the situation.
“Looking at these issues, the military had to enforce measures by way of crafting operations to suit the peculiarities of every geo-political zone. We then had Operation Lafiya Dole, now Hadin Kai in the North-East; Hadarin Daji in the North-West and different operations in the North-Central.
“There has been recovery of space. At the peak of the insurgency, 14 local governments, especially in Borno State, were under the control of Boko Haram. Currently, there is no local government under their control. Of course they have a presence in a number of local governments.
“Equally in Yobe State, almost four local governments were under the control of Boko Haram as well as in Adamawa, but currently, Boko Haram is not in control of any local government.
“We have recovered arms and ammunition. We have arrested some of these terrorists, while some of them are surrendering. Right now, the narratives are beginning to change.
“The military approach in managing insecurity was at one point politicised. That has not been completely eliminated.
“Politicisation of the military approach became so profound that the good intentions of the military were skewed. That meant that there was no united front.”
