By Dauda R. Pam, Maiduguri
The Nigerian Army has launched a new outfit, “OPERATION TURA TA KAI BANGO” in it’s renewed onslaught to contain with BokoHaram/ ISWAP attacks on soft targets especially vulnerable civilian settlements around the TIMBUKTU Triangle.
Addressing journalists, yesterday,the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai,gave out details on the planned conduct of the operation.
Represented by Major General Nuhu E Angbazo, chief of training and operations of the Nigerian army said, that the recent upsurge in insurgents’ raid operations with the attendant abductions of some travelers along Maiduguri-Damaturu and Maiduguri-Biu roads, as well as the recent skirmishes experienced along Damaturu – Biu has necessitated the need for urgent steps to check these unwholesome trends.
“The current threat if not neutralized, could result to further attacks on more innocent civilian settlements, the migration of terrorists into Yobe and southern Borno states with possibility of increased attacks on civilian communities. Therefore the Nigerian Army has launched Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO to effectively checkmate the situation,” he said.
Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO became operational on the 3rd of January 2021 in the North East Theatre of operation comprising Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States by the Chief of Army Staf and pointed out that Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO has become more expedient as it will boost the efforts of the troops of the,Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE, to enable the Nigerian Army deal with the emerging threats of the Boko Haram and ISWAP within the North Eastern Part of the country and is meant to be theater-wide targeting known insurgents’ enclaves and hideouts for neutralization and clearance.
According to him,“At the end of the operation, it is envisaged that our citizens will be free to move about and conduct their farming and other businesses in a safe and secured atmosphere, devoid of any insurgent threat and harassment,” said the COAS.
With the commencement of the operation on January 3, 2021, remarkable achievements have been recorded so far, as on January 6,2021, the troops of 402 Special Forces Brigade confronted the terrorists,in a fierce gun-battle encounter with heavy defeat casualties on the side of the terrorists.
As a result, 12 Boko terrorists were neutralised, while 1 terrorist Vehicle with Improvised Explosive Device and a Gun Truck were destroyed including,1 Anti Aircraft Gun, 1 General Purpose Machine Gun, 10 AK 47 Rifles, 1 Hand Grenade and large cache of assorted ammunition were captured
Further more, based on credible information of the plan effort of the terrorists to attack Geidam town in Geidam local government area of Yobe state and neighbouring communities, troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO were mobilized and thwarted the terrorists evil intention to invade Geidam town thereby preventing loss of lives and property.
The COAS used the opportunity to call on the general public to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected terrorists and criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst people in the communities.
On suspicious movements,he also, reminded the public to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action adding that, in order to ensure cordial civil military relations, the army shall make public the contact phone numbers of the Theatre and Sector Commanders in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, in addition to the Nigerian Army short code Information and Call Centre 193.
