—Reps hail military
By Jibrin Baba Ndace and Joshua Egbodo, Abuja
Seven additional terrorists’ camps were yesterday destroyed as more terrorists also died in the ongoing onslaught to flush them out of Sambisa Forest. An additional 25 women and children were rescued in the process.
The troops who scaled series of land mines in continuation of the assault on the forest bases of the terrorists, captured camps which include the four notorious Alafa camps as well as those in Rogo Fulani, Laraga and others used as training camps in the forest.
A statement issued by Director, Defence Information (DDI), Major-general Chris Olukolade, said various weapons including Rocket Propelled Grenades, Anti-Aircraft Guns and a number of vehicles were either captured or destroyed during the operation. Four soldiers were wounded and have evacuated for treatment.
The operations are continuing with troops demonstrating high morale and fighting spirit as they search the forests for terrorists, arms and hostages.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives had commended the Nigerian armed forces for the valour being demonstrated by their officers and men in the ongoing rescue operation, and the bid to rid the Sambisa Forest of Boko Haram insurgents.
In its resolution on a motion moved under matters of urgent public importance by Hon. Friday Itulah yesterday, the House also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to as a matter of urgency, take steps to rehabilitate and re-integrate the over 1, 000 men, women and children so far rescued by the troops.
He said: “Every one of us is aware of what has been going on in the Northeast with regard to the military operation in Sambisa Forest. We have also been told that a very large no of women and children have been rescued.
“A very large number of the women rescued are also said to be pregnant, something that should be viewed with all the seriousness it deserves as an emergency.
It is however not enough for us to sit and say that something is being done, but we must ensure that these people are properly rehabilitated and re-integrated into the society to be able to live a normal life just like the rest of us.”
In his contributions, Hon. Abdulrahman Terab, one of the lawmakers representing some of the affected areas of Bornu state, described the motion as “very timely and apt.”
“This motion is very apt at this time. And I’m also very glad that the mover of the motion is asking for federal intervention in areas of rehabilitation and integration of this people.
Because as we speak, the situation remains a time bomb if urgent steps are not taken to sensitise the victims through a very special project to re-adjust their psyche and make them see the need to live again.”