The Nigerian Army says it has uncovered a plot by unnamed individuals from Borno State and elsewhere in the North-East to use marabouts and other mischief makers to scuttle the war against terrorists in the North-East. Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, who raised the alarm, warned all those involved in the plot to desist or prepare to afce unpleasant consequences.

Col. Usman said in a statement issued this evening in Abuja: “The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public and send a very strong and serious final warning to some prominent individuals and political groups who hailed from Borno State in particular and North East generally, that there is information of plans by some highly placed individuals and political groups to undermine and scuttle the fight against terrorism and insurgency in this country.

“The unscrupulous individuals and their cohorts were determined to reverse the gains made and scuttle our efforts of achieving the Presidential directive to defeat Boko Haram terrorists within 3 months. They are enlisting the services of some Non-Governmental Organizations in this grand design.

“It has come to our knowledge that they were employing every means to see that our operation does not succeed in order for them to continue to enjoy certain benefits.

“It has been revealed that they are employing the services of marabouts and other unethical means in order to frustrate our efforts and the operations in addition to campaign of calumny. We are aware of their clandestine meetings and other diabolical efforts to achieve their nefarious aims. This would not be tolerated.

“Therefore, such individuals and groups should be warned in unmistakable terms that anyone found would be dealt with accordingly. People should place the interest of the nation above any personal gain or ambition. The continued lost of lives and properties in this country through terrorists activities does not one any good.”

•Photo shows Chief of Army Staff, Gen. TY Buratai.