The Nigerian Army has confirmed the take-off of the Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) in Maiduguri, Borno State, as exclusively reported this morning by News Express.

In what amounts to a double assault of Boko Haram, an alternate command centre is also being established in Yola in neighbouring Adamawa State, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani K. Usman, said in a statement just issued in Maiduguri. He also unfolded details of the composition of the MCCC as well as how it would operate.

Col. Usman said in the statement: “In compliance with the Presidential pronouncement and the Chief of Army Staff’s directive, a reconnaissance and advance team for the establishment of Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) for OPERATION ZAMAN LAFIYA for the fight against terrorism and insurgency has moved to Maiduguri, Borno State. The team, which is led by a Two-Star General, has already commenced work in earnest and it is comprised of elements of the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, all the relevant Army Headquarters Departments and other combat support components. The Centre will serve as a forward command base for the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs.

“The Centre is essentially an elaboration of an already existing Army Headquarters Command and Control arrangement. From now on, the fight against terrorism and insurgency would be monitored, coordinated and controlled from this centre. I wish to inform you also that its establishment would not create another layer of command structure but would add impetus and renewed vigour to OPERATION ZAMAN LAFIYA, all aimed at bringing terrorism and insurgency to an end. An alternate command centre is also being established in Yola.”