The military is set for a final push to retake Gwoza, Sambisa and Goneri, the last three major havens of Boko Haram insurgents.
This is in furtherance of its determination to make the areas safe ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Also, the military plans to use this week to review its ongoing campaign in the North-east.
Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, which is the de facto headquarters of Boko Haram self-proclaimed but dwindling caliphate, Goneri town in Gujuba LGA of Yobe State, and Sambisa Forest are among the last strongholds of the Boko Haram terror group in the North Eastern Nigeria yet to be liberated by the Nigerian military with the support of troops of the allied countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
Military sources, who spoke to THISDAY, disclosed that Gwoza is the only major town yet to be recaptured.
The sources noted that even though Bama has not been officially declared liberated, "as there are still some strategic mop up operations", all LGAs have been retrieved from the insurgents except Gwoza.
"Apart from Gwoza LGA another remaining part of the Nigerian territory to be liberated is Goneri town in Gujuba LGA of Yobe State."
It would be recalled that the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, while on a tour mission in the North-East last week confirmed the completion of the operations in Adamawa State.
Olukolade said that the Nigerian troops have succeeded in clearing terrorists out of Madagali, which is the last frontier held by the Boko Haram terrorists in Adamawa State.
He also noted mopping up is on-going in other areas, and that more details would be provided by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
The Defence Spokesman, however, could not speak further on the operations when contacted by THISDAY, especially the nature of the territories still under the siege of the Boko Haram terrorists.
Nevertheless, some top security and intelligence sources told THISDAY that the only remaining town in Yobe (Goneri) would soon be liberated as the military are already headed there to engage the terrorists.
They also noted that Bama would soon be officially declared liberated, while a major and final onslaught would be launched to free Gwoza.
On Sambisa forest, military sources explained that the forest is a large territory that straddles across four LGAs in Borno state including Bama, Konduga and Gwoza.
"This to the effect tells you that any LGAs that have been recaptured also include the part of Sambisa forest within it. I can tell you that there was massive bombardment of that area and most of the terrorists have also fled," the source said.
One intelligence source further explained that most of the Boko Haram terrorists are majorly concentrated in Gwoza town, and that their control does not cover all parts of the LGAs.
The source noted that the planning for the final liberation is well detailed and cautious because of the difficult terrain of Gwoza, which is criss-crossed with caves, dangerous mountains, valleys and parts of the dreaded Sambisa forests.
"However, I am sure that in a matter of days the major combat operations would be achieved and mopping up operations would follow, if things go according to the plans. We are positive because the troop’s morale is high and we have appreciable right kind of arms and ammunition to finish the job. The victory is at hand," the source assured.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) 2015 First Quarter Conference coming up this week will be tailored to seek new ways to improve the ongoing strategies in the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts in the North East.
The Acting Director of the Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, disclosed this in a statement yesterday, saying that the conference is also aimed at discussing general administration of soldiers.
According to Usman, the first quarter conference will be "reviewing the ongoing military campaign against terrorists in the North East and other internal security operations, as well as taking stock of Nigerian Army's activities within the last three months".
He said that "the conference will also project and strategize for the next quarter and the remaining part of the year and consider the Nigerian Army development plan in the next 20 years.
"Preparations for ensuring security before, during and after the 2015 General elections will also feature in the agenda".
The Army Spokesman added that conference was expected to take far reaching decisions that would place the Army in a more robust position to effectively carry out its constitutional duties.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/army-in-final-push-against-boko-haram-in-gwoza-sambisa-goneri/204118/
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