Over 15,000 people have been killed by terrorist group Boko Haram since 2009 and more than one million Nigerians displaced in the insurgency by the Islamist sect but despite the efforts of the military to end the carnage caused by the dreaded group, the Nigerian Army has revealed one of the enemies within in the fight against Boko Haram.
According to the Nigerian Army, some elders and leaders of Borno state and other States of the North East are working against the resolve by the military and other security agencies to ensure they bring the terrorists activities of Boko Haram group to an end by December.
The Army revealed that these persons include top politicians who are said to have gone to the extent of employing the services of Marabouts and other unethical means to reverse the gains made so far in the war against insurgency.
The Army has, therefore, warned that such elders risk arrest and will be dealt with in accordance with the law if caught.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public and send a very strong and serious final warning to some prominent individuals and political groups who hail from Borno State in particular and North East generally, that there is information of plans by some highly placed individuals and political groups to undermine and scuttle the fight against terrorism and insurgency in this country,” a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman said.
“The unscrupulous individuals and their cohorts are determined to reverse the gains made and scuttle our efforts of achieving the Presidential directive to defeat Boko Haram terrorists within 3 months.
“They are enlisting the services of some Non-Governmental Organizations in this grand design.
“It has come to our knowledge that they are employing all means to see that our operation does not succeed in order for them to continue to enjoy certain benefits.
“It has been revealed that they are employing the services of marabouts and other unethical means in order to frustrate our efforts and the operations in addition to campaigns of calumny.
“We are aware of their clandestine meetings and other diabolical efforts to achieve their nefarious aims and this will not be tolerated.
“Therefore, such individuals and groups should be warned in unmistakable terms that anyone found will be dealt with accordingly.
“People should place the interest of the nation above any personal gain or ambition,” the statement read.