THE NIGERIAN Army Troop of Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE has apprehended five key terrorist suppliers and fighters on Sunday following the commencement of “Operation Positive Identification” across Northeastern Nigeria.
In a release made available on Monday by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations OPLD, Ami Ida, a Colonel of the Nigerian Army, he stated that the Nigerian Army commenced thorough searching and seizure of all suspected criminal elements across the Northeastern part of the country.
The Chief of Army Staff, Buratai Tukur, on September 16 appointed new commandants to head operations in the Army Theatre Command Operations in Northeast.
He mentioned that the “Operation Positive Identification” is a follow-up of the reports that escaping criminals are hiding in some towns and villages in Northeast particularly Borno and Yobe states.
Over a year ago, the troops of the 159 Battalion arrested 2 Boko Haram suppliers while filling their Jerry cans at a gas station owned by a member of the Yobe State House of Assembly.
Ida in his statement enjoined members of the public passing through Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States to ensure they carry valid means of Identification as troops have been directed to strictly check for legitimate means of Identification such as National Identification Card, Voter’s registration card, Driver’s License and International Passports or other valid official identification before allowing passage to anyone.
The Theatre Command also stated that anyone not positively identified will attract further scrutiny and comprehensive investigation to determine his or her activities with the insurgents.
He advised that while the Operation continues, members of the general public should cooperate with the efforts of the troop to arrest fleeing terrorists by carrying and showing their valid means of identification.
Lukman Abolade is an Investigative reporter with The ICIR. Reach out to him via labolade@icirnigeria.org, on twitter @AboladeLAA and FB @Correction94