Why We Have Not Reclaimed All Towns Captured By Boko Haram – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has been criticized in several
quarters for allegedly being lackadaisical in its fight
against insurgency in Nigeria’s north east. The army
however said on Wednesday that the need to reduce
collateral damage had delayed the recapture of some
towns seized by Boko Haram.
Brig.-Gen. Olajide Laleye, the Director, Army Public
Relations gave the explanation while responding to
questions from journalists.
“We are not interested in collateral damage,” he said.
“The Nigeria Army is very careful about collateral
damage, to that extent our operations are carefully
planned to make sure that collateral damage is reduced
to the barest minimum.
“If certain areas have not been recaptured it is because
the Nigerian army is giving such areas very careful
plans, the plans are ongoing.
“At the right time you will see the outcome; we will not
tell you, of course, before hand, of what we intend to
do; but you will see the outcome,” Laleye said.
He however said Nigerians will be pleased at the end of
the operations going on to dislodge the terrorists, such
that collateral damage is reduced to the barest
minimum.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to restate its determination
to bring this counter insurgency and counter terrorism
operations to a speedy and decisive end.
“Equally, the Nigerian Army seizes this opportunity to
reassure Nigerians of its preparedness to support
relevant agencies in the successful conduct of the 2015
general elections,’’ he said.