Intelligence has indicated that present military operation in the North East is focused in the area where the kidnapped Chibok girls are believed to be held, Mr Mike Omeri has said.
Omeri, the Coordinator of the National Information Centre, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a news conference while giving update on troops’ operations in the region.
The coordinator described the kidnap of the girls as “horrific and a tragedy, and experience that every Nigerian painfully share with the immediate families of the girls and the entire Chibok community.’’
It would be recalled that the girls were kidnapped on April 14, 2014 by Boko Haram members, the same day the Nyanya bus terminus in Abuja recorded a bomb blast which killed more than 70 people.
Omeri said “the Federal Government remains resolute in finding and returning them (girls) to their homes where they rightly belong.
“Consequently, we will continue to exert efforts in ensuring their safe return.’’
The coordinator explained that government met with some parents of the girls during the first anniversary on Tuesday “and had fruitful and constructive’’ discussion without giving details.
“We recognise that the public has the right and the need to know what the government is doing to defeat Boko Haram and find the girls.
“That is the reason this Centre has consistently been open and accessible to the media.
“We take this obligation seriously and will continue to be forthcoming with information to the public and the press. Our people deserve no less.’’
On territories held by Boko Haram, Omeri said that so far, troops had recaptured 40 of such communities from the group, adding that in recent months, the military had made significant gains.
“The fortification of the border routes by other members of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) also played a key role in the successes recorded.
“Presently, the military is moving into Sambisa forest after taking Alagarno, Gwoza, Bama, Malam Fatori, Abadam, among others.’’
Omeri said government was committed to returning and resettling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from affected communities soon.
He said IDPs in the six North Eastern states and those in neighbouring countries were being provided for by government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other agencies. (NAN)
