By Sadiq Umar – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Abayomi Olonishakin, has said that the military will continue with the onslaught against the Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast, saying any decision on whether to negotiate the release of detained Boko Haram members in a prison swap is political and should be left for politicians.
The Abubakar Shekau faction of Boko Haram had in a latest video proposed the release of its commanders in detention in exchange for the release of the Chibok Girls.
Speaking to journalists at the end of a security meeting at the State House in Abuja, Monday, General Olonishakin said the military has decided to continue with its operations, adding however that political decisions are taken by politicians.
He said the military was still “analysing” the video released by Boko Haram and would make appropriate comments at the right time.
“The military’s decision is that we are going ahead with our operations,” he said, adding that “the operation is being conducted appropriately. The meeting was about how we handle crisis, all forms of crisis, be it flood or terrorism.
“We are analysing the video released by Boko Haram and we will make appropriate comments at the right time.”
He also denied the claim that Ahmed Bolori, one of the persons declared wanted by the army, was asked to return home after turning himself in at the army headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno state capital.
“Nobody who reported to my men was turned back,” Olonishakin added.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who also spoke to State House correspondents Monday, said government had never relented in its efforts to ensure safe return of the abducted Chibok girls.
He said while efforts are on with Boko Haram sect for the release of the girls, the government was careful to ensure it was speaking with the right group as the sect had been factionalised.
“The government’s position is clear that we are in touch with them. We are just being careful and cautious to ensure that we are talking to the right people especially with the news that there is a split in the leadership. But what is important is the safety and security of these girls,” Mr. Mohammed said.
Mr. Mohammed said the renewed agitations for the release of the girls was in response to the Boko Haram’s latest video, saying that would soon fade away.
He said that government had been rather consistent in its own efforts to secure their release even without making it public.
The Information and Culture Minister cautioned against the planned protest by the BringBackOurGirls Campaigners to the Presidential Villa, saying “there are few things we need to do behind the scene. What we are saying is that the government is committed to do everything to rescue these girls”.
“We are engaging them. By saying we are talking to them, I am talking from a point of knowledge. It does not matter what other people say. I know that the government is in touch with the group.
“For us, it is not just because of the release of the video but because of our belief that there will be no final closure to Boko Haram until we are able to resolve the issue of these girls,” he added.
