Boko Haram: Reclaiming captured territories top priority — FG

The Federal Government said that reclaiming territories held by insurgents in the North-East and establishment of an atmosphere of peace and safety in them remained its top priority.
Coordinator, National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri, stated this on Wednesday while giving update on the security situation in the zone at a news conference.

Omeri said that the successes recorded by troops in regaining control of Boko Haram strongholds in Borno were testimony of the unwavering commitment in defeating the insurgents.
He said recent recapture of Alagarno in Borno, a well-known strategic stronghold of Boko Haram, had dealt a severe blow on their capacity to carry out surprise attacks on communities in the state.
“In a situation such as presently exists in the area, there is a high tendency for the insurgent group to suddenly aim at soft targets to destabilise communities which are regaining normalcy.
“However, the Nigerian military has continued to bring the situation under control and also safeguard the lives and property of citizens, while humanitarian assistance is being provided by appropriate authorities.
“The centre, therefore, calls on Nigerians, particularly those living in the affected communities, to continue to support the efforts of our military and security forces at restoring normalcy in the area,’’ he said.
On the April 11 elections, Omeri urged Nigerians to be vigilant and cautious to ensure a peaceful and incident-free polls.
“Recall that in our statement on the eve of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, we reiterated to Nigerians the need to exercise the highest level of vigilance and also scrutinise the activities of unknown and strange persons within their environment.
“In respect of the forthcoming Governorship and State Assembly elections, we remind the citizens to maintain a similar level of vigilance and caution to ensure a peaceful and incident – free exercise,’’ he said.

Vanguard