Jonathan: Emergency Rule is Yielding Results

president Jonathan

As the military continues its onslaught against Boko Haram in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, President Goodluck Jonathan has thanked Nigerians for their support for the emergency rule declared in the three states, assuring them that the effort of the armed forces has already started yielding positive results.

His statement coincided with the pledge by the country’s armed forces to continue their offensive against militants in the north-east for "as long as it takes" to achieve its main objective.

Also, as part of its strategy to rally international support for the ongoing military offensive against Boko Haram in the North-eastern part of the country, the federal government has reached out to officials of the United States of America and other heads of missions in Washington.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said in a statement yesterday that the president had commended the efforts of the armed forces, which have already started yielding positive results, “as available information confirmed that the insurgents had been dislodged from their safe havens and camps.”

Okupe added: “President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed gratitude to all Nigerians for the overwhelming support they have given to the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

“The president also thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and many of its members, who have through calls and personal visitations, given solidarity and support for this extraordinary step taken by the president in order to halt the mindless killings, bombings and general insecurity that had prevailed in that part of the country.

“The president also notes with gratification the positive disposition and understanding of the governors of the federation, especially the Northern Governors' Forum, leaders and elders in the north, traditional rulers, religious leaders, cultural and political groups nationwide including opposition political parties, civil society organisations and the media.”

The president’s spokesman said the president was appreciative of the effort, loyalty, commitment and sacrifice of members of the armed forces and other security agencies who have demonstrated commendable patriotism and gallantry in compliance with the order of the commander-in-chief.
He added that the president also appreciates the words of encouragement by members of the diplomatic corps and international community.

“He further promised that as a disciplined force, members of the armed forces will operate according to acceptable international rules of engagement and will pay particular attention to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the affected states during this period of emergency rule.
“Mr. President also notes that the efforts of the armed forces have already started yielding positive results, as available information confirms that the insurgents have been dislodged from their safe havens and camps while many have been apprehended, and their activities in the affected states have been brought to a total halt,” the statement added.

The president also called on Nigerians from all walks of life, ethnic origins and religious affiliations to rally round the federal government in this period of national travail in order that collectively, “we will achieve success in this major fight against terror in our land, and return peace and stability to our nation with its attendant prosperity, growth and development in the affected region.”

Jonathan promised that the federal government would not relent or spare any effort that would guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians, noting that “all manner of criminality in our country would be fought uncompromisingly with all the powers and might available to the Federal Government.”

The president’s statement was given a boost by the armed forces, which vowed yesterday to continue their offensive against militants in the north-east for "as long as it takes" to achieve their main objective.

Ministry of Defence spokesman, Brig Gen Chris Olukolade, told the BBC the aim was to assert Nigeria's "territorial integrity as a nation".
Earlier, a 24-hour curfew was imposed on parts of the city of Maiduguri, where the military said it had arrested 65 terrorists.

Olukolade said the army would continue its operation "as long as it takes to achieve our objective of getting rid of insurgents from every part of Nigeria".

He said in a BBC World Service Newshour programme that the offensive “knows the targets it is after, and it took a long time to plan and prepare for this”.
“It is their (insurgent) bases, their weaponry, their logistics that we are going to deal with in this operation,” he added.

He said the troops deployed to enforce the state of emergency declared by the president had gained significant ground in their latest offensive against the strongholds of the Islamic sect.

He informed THISDAY that the troops had continued their advance and attack on identified terrorist camps in the northern part of the country.

Olukolade disclosed that the insurgent have already deserted their camps while military patrols have moved in to secure towns and villages from infiltration. Also curfews on identified flash points are being enforced.

He said: “Dislodged terrorists have been noted to be in disarray with a large number of them heading backwards to various borders. Their bases are being deserted but they are making efforts to evacuate most of the large stock of logistics including scores of vehicles in their holdings.

“In the course of special forces pursuit and operations, a number of encounters have ensued since yesterday (Saturday). After a mop up of scenes of battle, 14 terrorists were confirmed dead, while, seven vehicles and 13 telephone handsets were recovered. A total of 20 terrorists were apprehended as they fled".

“Altogether, three soldiers died, while seven are wounded and are being treated in military medical facility, one soldier is missing,” he added.

Olukolade also revealed that the required reinforcement and logistics have been delivered to forces in the front where they have been engaging in large numbers with heavily armed terrorists since Saturday.

He said that the Defence Headquarters was quite satisfied with the high standard of compliance with the operational order and strict observance of the rules of engagement so far.
“The forces have been directed to maintain the robustness of the patrols and enforcement of curfews were emplaced and ensure that civilians are kept out of harms' way as much as possible,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was on lockdown yesterday, as the military enforced a 24-hour curfew and blocked supply routes in its sweeping campaign against the insurgents.

Soldiers sealed roads heading out of Maiduguri, blocking supply routes to remote towns where Boko Haram Islamists have seized power, AFP quoted residents as stating yesterday.