The Nigerian Navy has commenced full operations on the Nigerian side of the general Lake Chad area to ensure it is totally liberated from Boko Haram.

Marine troops have been deployed to the area in line with presidential directives to give a boost to the war against insurgency in northeast Nigeria.

The Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, announced the deployment during an interaction with commanders in the newly established area of naval operations to appraise the situation on ground.

The Lake Chad area falls under Baga, a border local government in northern Borno State a notorious stronghold of the Boko Haram insurgents carrying out trans-border operations after sacking the fishing town of Baga.

Three years after a deadly massacre of an estimated 2,000 residents, Baga is still a ghost town, deserted by civilians and now home to the Multi-National joint Task Force fighters.

To fully free the area of terrorists, the Chief of Naval Staff said that the Nigerian Navy was joining forces with the ground and air troops.

He is hopeful that the collaboration will speed up the post conflict healing process in the area.

Government officials in Borno State are happy with the presidential directives, especially as Baga has the biggest fish market in the region and serves as an economic hub for the state.

Total liberation and revival of the area will pave way for a continuation of the suspended oil exploration around the Lake Chad area.

Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Durkwa, expressed optimism that full restoration of peace in the area would improve economic activities and promote normal life.

The Naval Chief also held talks with the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and other key stakeholders in Borno State.

They are brainstorming on how to achieve synergy and smooth running of the new operational base. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

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