Army Justifies Raid On UN Building, Says Boko Haram ‘Changed Tactics’

The Nigerian Army has explained its Friday raid on the premises of the United Nations in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Army addressed its invasion of the UN building in an official statement on Friday evening.

The statement by the Army comes on the heels of UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Edward Kallon’s condemnation of unauthorised raid on its main building by soldiers in possible search of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.

Kallon, “expressed grave concern over the unauthorized search of a United Nations base for humanitarian workers in Maiduguri, Borno State.

“At circa 0500 hours today, members of the Nigerian security forces entered the UN base for humanitarian workers in Maiduguri without authorization. The security forces carried out a search of the tented camp and left the area at circa 0800 hours.

“The humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s north-east is one of the most severe in the world today.

“I am extremely concerned that these actions could be detrimental to the critical work that is being carried out every day to support the most vulnerable in the region and I call upon the Government of Nigeria to provide clarification,” said the UN coordinator.

But the Army, which justified its raid on theUN building, said: “As part of ongoing counter insurgency operations, the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been conducting several clearance as well as cordon and search operations in urban and rural areas within the Theatre. The clearance operations effort has been yielding several successes.

“It has forced the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to change tactics and resort to employment of suicide bombers to target military locations and the populace. This necessitated the need to intensify Cordon and Search in Maiduguri metropolis and environment.

“In the last one week cordon and search operations were conducted in Jiddari –Polo, Muna Garage, Jakana amongst several other areas. On 10th August 2017, Theatre Command received information from one of its credible sources that some high value BHT suspects had infiltrated into Pompomari Bye Pass.

“It therefore became expedient to take preemptive action by combing the general area through a cordon and search operations. The operation was successfully conducted as over 30 houses were searched.

“One of such included a property which was said to be occupied by United Nations Staff, although the property did not carry a UN designation.

“On the whole, operation in the general area was successfully concluded but no arrest was made because the suspects were not found.

“The command wishes to assure the general public that these operations are being conducted to safeguard lives and properties but not targeted at any individual or group.

“The general public is cautioned to avoid peddling rumours which may cause disaffection and to remain law abiding,” said the military.