Boko Haram: Military Vows to Liberate Remaining Territories Soon.

04 Mar 2015 Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade •Says no going back on ongoing offensive •Warns against smear campaign to lower military morale By Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Nigerian military has vowed that despite the seeming lull in the offensive against the Boko Haram terrorists, they are determined to liberate the remaining territories in the North-East. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, gave this assurance on Wednesday in a press conference to clarify issues on the ongoing military operations in North-East, especially concerning a recent report that Nigeria is halting the offensive. Olukolade assured that they are following up with their strategic goal and plans of decimating the terrorists in collaboration with the neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republic. He said: "Indeed, there is no going back or slowing down anywhere. The air campaigns are continuing with a view to dislodging all the identified terrorist cells, enclaves or hideouts anywhere in the designated mission area. The mandate of working towards ensuring the restoration of normalcy for socio-economic, political and other activities to resume as quickly as possible is being given all it takes toward having the mission accomplished. "So far, so good; things are working out in line with the strategic plans. A very significant number of identified terrorists’ enclaves have already been pounded and destroyed in the course of continuing air strikes. Ground forces are also conducting assaults along with necessary mopping up, cordon and search operations in communities and locations previously occupied by terrorists". Speaking further, Olukolade said that the stage is set to clear Boko Haram terrorists from the remaining towns and communities, including Bama, Gwoza and Sambisa. "The stage is also set for the conduct of subsequent phases earmarked as part of the campaign. In the process, many communities have been sufficiently cleared to guarantee the return of citizens to their normal lives. The scope is being expanded to ensure that more communities are mopped up and cleansed of every vestige of terrorism. All the towns where the activities of the terrorists are still noticeable will be duly mopped up very soon", he asserted. http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/boko-haram-military-vows-to-liberate-remaining-territories-soon-/203304/