More than 1,000 members of the outlawed Boko Haram sect have been captured since the declaration of emergency rule by President Goodluck Jonathan in the three north-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, three months ago.

This was revealed yesterday by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, when some journalists demanded an assessment of the Joint Task Force (JTF) towards achieving the mandate of emergency rule, having reached the mid-way mark of three out of the six months approved by the National Assembly.

According to a ThisDay report: ‘Olukolade, who refused to give specific figures for operational, tactical and strategic reasons, noted that military operations have been very successful in dislodging the Boko Haram terrorists from their former strongholds, especially in Borno and Yobe states.

‘He said a lot of them have been captured “over a thousand” and currently held in various locations for further intelligence gathering and questioning.

‘He, however, noted that there were more who died during exchange of gun fire with the Special Forces of the JTF, where some were also carted away and buried by Boko Haram, while some others, who were captured with gunshot wounds died afterwards, despite the best medical attention.

‘The DDI further emphasised that the troops deployed to the affected areas of operations conducted themselves professionally and within the dictates of the Rules of Engagement (ROE).

‘He said: “As a matter of being accountable to Nigerians, we believe that the activities of the three months state of emergency be made known to the members of the public.

‘ “Before the declaration of the state of emergency, substantial part of this country was taken over by the insurgents, with strange flags hoisted in several parts of these states but today, we can say that there is no way that the insurgents have that freedom of action anymore. It (military operations in the affected states) has been a success.

‘ “We can also assure you that our troops have performed professionally excellent, and more attention have been paid to the border control issues.

‘ “We have also enjoyed mobilisation of civil population to volunteers information and intelligence. Also social, commercial and economic activities have been normalised.

‘ “For now, giving the actual figures of the dead soldiers is not possible for operational and strategic reasons. The casualties figures will be given at the appropriate time, except in a situation where it can positively affect the military. The same with the actual figure of the terrorist but I can tell you that thousands of them have been killed,” he confirmed.

‘ “Conservatively, I can say that over a thousand have been captured and are in detention in various designated secured facilities. Another thing we also discovered is that the Boko Haram terrorist always ensure they carry their dead along if possible,” he noted.

‘Speaking further, Olukolade emphasised the growing importance of the citizens input in the internal security operations, especially in providing useful intelligence and information leading to the capture of Boko Haram members and destruction of their bases.

‘He also commended the crucial role being played by the Borno Youths Vigilante Group popularly known as the “Civilian JTF” at using their local knowledge to counter enemies’ hideouts and exposing where weapons could be hidden.

‘The DDI, however, cautioned against too much emphasis on the works of the group, and assured that the military would continue to give them security cover and as well checkmate their activities from exceeding the scope of their mandate.”

•Photo shows suspected Boko Haram members.

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