Military recaptures Gwoza, Boko Haram’s last throttlehold

Nigerian military has liberated Gwoza in Borno State, the last throttlehold of the Islamist Boko Haram militants.

Major General Chris Olukolade, director, defence information, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

“Just this morning, the gallant troops of the Nigerian military in a concerted and well-coordinated land and air operations have liberated Gwoza, the headquarters of their so called caliphate which they renamed ‘darul hikima’”, Olukolade said.

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According to him, “This was preceded by successive sack of terrorists from towns and villages leading to Gwoza, the main objective. Several of the terrorists have died and many of them captured in the process. A lot of arms and ammunition have been recovered and the administrative headquarters completely destroyed. A massive cordon and search has commenced to locate any of the fleeing terrorists or hostages in their custody.“As at yesterday, the military has been able to take over virtually all the enclaves and hideouts where the terrorists were marauding. It is observed that some of the terrorists are currently fleeing towards border areas. The fleeing terrorists will expectedly run into subsequent encounter with contingents of partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force who have been mandated to contain them accordingly. The mop up operation in Gwoza and other liberated areas will continue in order to ensure that no vestiges of terrorists or terrorism remain in our country.

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“The Nigerian military and security agencies, therefore, thank Nigerians and our partners in the sub-region who have consistently encouraged and supported us in the course of these operations. The military is more than ever before determined to once and for all stamp out every trace of terrorism and insecurity in our country.

“All citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report every movement or assemblage of suspicious characters to the security forces so that never again shall the evil elements re-group to terrorise or cause mayhem in our country.”