As part of its contributions to the fight against the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Armed Forces of Nigeria has designated a total of 17 isolation/treatment centres across the country. Also, plans have been concluded to recall retired medical personnel, in a bid to join hands with those in active service, in confronting the ravaging pandemic. According to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), a total of 65 COVID-19 cases had been recorded in the country. Addressing journalists at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday, the Coordinator of the Defence, Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, said the measures being put in place to combat the viral disease, were a fulfillment of the constitutional mandate of military in aid of civil authority (MACA).

This was as he stated that fighting troops had killed a total of 100 suspected terrorists, after a gun battle at Gorgi town, Borno State. Specifically, the coordinator noted that the military would adopt the “non-kineric” approach to the fight against the disease, to be achieved through the medical and security platforms.

He said: “Sequel to the on-going fight against the spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the Federal government of Nigeria, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has put measures in place to aid the civil authorities. “As you may be aware, Section 217 (2) c of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), empowers the military to act in aid of civil authority. “Consequently, a committee was constituted at the Defence Headquarters to ensure that the AFN provides the necessary support to the Federal Government of Nigeria, at this period.

“It is mainly a non-kinetic military operation with major features of Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities. Equally, it is in line with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) lines of conducting contemporary military operations in Nigeria. “In this regard, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has developed a two-pronged approach to fight the pandemic, namely: the medical and security approaches. “The medical approach is the deployment of military personnel in aid of all Ministries Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government through the provision of land, maritime and air assets, for transportation of emergency cases and medical supplies, as was the case with the medical supplies donated by the Jack Ma Foundation.”

He further disclosed that, “under the medical aid, we have 17 medical facilities spread across the country, which have been designated for isolation and treatment of confirmed cases of the COVID-19. “We have also concluded plans to recall our retired medical personnel to complement those in active service.

“On Security Related Support, the Armed Forces of Nigeria will activate its Disaster Response Units across the Country in conjunction with National Emergency Management Agency. These units will be responsible for security management of emergencies other than medicals.

“The Defence Headquarters hereby assures the general public of its total commitment to the human security effort of the Federal Government of Nigeria.” Meanwhile, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, have killed no fewer that100 suspected Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) at Gorgi town, Borno State.

The fighters were eliminated during fierce encounters that occurred between Marxh 21 and 23. However, 29 soldiers were killed in action, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. According to Enenche, the figure contradicts the earlier one, which had put the number of troops’ deaths at 47. Enenche said: “Following the encounter between Armed Forces of Nigeria and insurgents in Operation Lafiya Dole at Gorgi between March 21 and 23, a team was sent to carry out the due operational After Action Procedure, which include; reconfirmation of casualties and immediate medical evacuation required among others.

“After the exercise, the Team made the following findings; 29 Nigerian Troops were killed in action and 39 were wounded in action, as a result of the explosion of the truck carrying logistics and ammunition resupply for the fighting echelon. “This is contrary to the figures from the first contact situation report of 47 killed in action and 15 wounded in action.

“This is a common occurrence during combat operations due to the fog of war, encounters or conflicts, when first contact reports are released to higher quarters in contemporary times, in order to counter false reports and fake news by mischief makers.

“The Team also found a casualty of over 100 Boko Haram terrorists neutralised as the result of direct fire action and encounter with the gallant troops of the Land Component of the Armed Forces of Nigeria during the clearance of Gorgi. “Ultimately, the Land Component of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Operation Lafiya Dole successfully cleared Gorgi and dealt a heavy blow on the enemy, and the end state of clearing Gorgi was achieved. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby assures the general public that it will remain committed to tackling the security challenges in the country to ensure that the Country is peaceful.” (Saturday Telegraph)

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