Panicking internally displaced persons (IDPs) are fleeing Rann after partner countries of the Multinational Joint Task Force withdrew from the Borno community, leaving only the Nigerian Army in charge of their security.

The Theatre Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Benson Akinroluyo, told journalists after a meeting with the state Governor, Kashim Shettima on Monday that the news of the withdrawal had caused apprehension among the people.

“Rann is not dislodged, it is just that our counterparts from the other countries withdrew and our troops are the only ones there; people are apprehensive,” he said.

Akinroluyo, however, stated that regardless of the setbacks, operations were still going on smoothly within the theatre of operation.

He also solicited the support of the government and co-operation of the people to enforce peace in the region.

On his path, Governor Shettima assured the theatre commander of his continued support and commended the Nigerian armed forces for their commitment to the counter-terrorism war.

He told journalists that the government plans to engage local hunters and vigilante to help enhance security in outlines parts of the metropolitan city.

In recent times Rann has been a major target for attacks, causing humanitarian agencies to also withdraw their support.

With the latest development, IDPs are said to have fled the town, crossing a river to Bodo, a community in Cameroon bordering Rann.

•Sourced from a Channels TV report

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