With a massive deployment of troops and equipment, the army, navy, air force and other security agencies have begun operation to “rid the nation’s border territories of terrorists’ bases and operations.

President Jonathan had in a nationwide broadcast admitted that the Federal Government no longer controlled the entire territory of Nigeria.

Three states where the emergency action was declared share common borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger.  These border communities have become bases for training, insurgency and other criminal activities against Nigeria.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) gave indication that the time was up for the Boko Haram sect and other terrorists groups in the country as it announced the deployment of massive troops to take over the borders, vowing to assert Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The proclamation came in less than 24 hours after the presidential broadcast and declaration of emergency rule in troubled states in northern Nigeria, stating categorically that the operations would bring an end to terrorist’s activities in the country.

A statement from the DHQ signed by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Chris Olukolade and made available to newsmen in Abuja, said the Nigerian Armed Forces, the police and other security agencies in the country had been briefed and deployed to take part in the military operation under the DHQ.

The statement reads: “In furtherance of the Commander-in-Chief directive, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies have commenced operations to rid the nation’s border territories of terrorist bases and activities.  The military operation will focus on tracking down criminal elements within the vicinity of border communities prone to terrorist activities.

“The operation, which will involve massive deployment of men and resources, is aimed at asserting the nation’s territorial integrity and enhancing the security of constituted governmental structures in all territories within Nigeria’s borders.  The operational plans have also briefed participating troops appropriately on arrests, cordon and search especially directed at apprehending those who have been violating sovereignty of Nigeria through terrorist training for insurgency and related activities.  The operation is expected to put an end to insurgent activities in these parts of the country.

“The defence headquarters assures law abiding citizens that every effort has been put in place to ensure safety of civilians and non-combatants while the operation lasts.

“All citizens are enjoined to cooperate with troops and supply necessary information on criminal and terrorist activities or movement in their locality as the operation is intended to safeguard the nation’s interests and citizens in all parts of the Federation”.

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