A total of 5,235 people were rescued from Boko Haram terrorists during recent clearance operations by the Nigerian military

Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General LEO Irabor, made this disclosure in Maiduguri on Wednesday while giving updates on the war against insurgency.

The updates which the War Commander gave at the press conference covered October 28 till date.

“The troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have continued with the ongoing operations to clear the remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs). Since our last interaction, our troops have conducted many operations with immense successes,” Gen. Irabor said.

He then proceeded to give details of several clearing operations that resulted in the rescue of the hostages, the killing of terrorists, as well as the arrest of some and their collaborators.

He announced that “Operation RESCUE FINALE commenced on 2 Nov 16,” saying: “It is the continuation of Operation CRACK DOWN and is aimed at rescuing all the CHIBOK School Girls and other hostages held in SAMBISA Forest. Preliminary bombardment of selected targets by own Artillery and Air Component is in progress. The subsidiary operations allied to Operation RESCUE FINALE, are ongoing.”

Gen. Irabor reminded the general public “to be more alert and security conscious with their environment, especially when a strange face comes around.”

He commiserated with all the victims of the recent suicide bombings by Boko Haram terrorists within the Theatre, saying: “We shall continue to work to ensure the safety of lives of every citizen. Let me once again use this medium to remind the remnants of BHT that their miserable days are numbered because their future is going to be disastrous if they fail to surrender and lay down their arms. Let me, therefore, encourage them to take advantage of this window of opportunity now to surrender as failure to do so would be hugely regretted.

“On that note, let me sincerely thank the general public and other stakeholders for the immense support rendered to Op LAFIYA DOLE. We remain committed to our mandate and would not be distracted by whatever means.”

•Photo shows Maj.-Gen. LEO Irabor.

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