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DHQ relocates to Maiduguri over Guzamala killings

 

…as intelligence suggests closer ties between B’Haram, ISWA

By Samuel Akaeze, Abuja

More than three years after President Mohammadu Buhari promised during his inauguration in Abuja to relocate the country’s Defence Headquarters, DHQ, to Maiduguri at the centre of the war on terror, government appears to be matching words with action after top military brass early yesterday stormed Maiduguri after an attack on military formation in Guzamala by men suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents. Military top brass reportedly arrived Maiduguri through the Air force base, headed to the Command and Control Centre early Sunday morning.

 National Pilot however gathered that the seeming relocation, which army hierarchy has yet to clarify may be spurred by intelligence that the insurgent are preparing for a major standoff against the army and other security agencies. Specifically, the newspaper learnt that faction of the insurgents loyal to Al Banawi, believed to be a relative of Mohammad Yusuf, original founder of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, aka, Boko Haram and now in allegiance to the Islamic State in West Africa, ISWA, operate with a single mission on attacking army formations and security operatives in the country.

The newspaper sources hinted that the insurgents aim to demoralise the army and also obtain some of its arms in order to continue its operation in Nigeria.

Insurgents on Saturday reportedly invaded Guzamala, a local government in Borno State, sacking residents of the town. Scores of people including soldiers were killed in the attempt by the terrorist group to gain control of a military formation in the area.

According to reports, the insurgents captured the town after several hours of gun battle with Nigeria troops. Eye witness account said the troops were overpowered around 5:00am on Saturday. The insurgents were seen moving freely at the headquarters of Guzamala LGA. The attacks started last Friday. They burnt down recently reconstructed houses. As result, says reports, hundreds of civilian are now in Gubio town while many others are in bushes.”

Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume, has last week expressed concern over what he called the resurgence and escalation of Boko Haram attacks on military formations and communities in the northeast.

“I am worried about the resurgence and escalation of attacks on military formations and communities by Boko Haram, especially within the span of two months, and this should worry the entire country,” the erstwhile Senate leader said.

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