The Nigerian Army is to commence a final onslaught against the terrorist group, Boko Haram, and restore economic activities in the affected areas.
The operation which is titled Operation Last Hold was announced at a news conference in Abuja on Friday by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu.
It is to commence on May 1, 2018.
Specifically, Ahmadu said, the operation would ensure the clearance of the Lake Chad waterways of sea weeds and other obstacles obstructing the movement of boats and people across the water channels.
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According to him, the operation would ensure the destruction of the camps of the insurgents and strong points in the Lake Chad Basin.
Hostages, he declared, would be rescued in the process.
“The operational end-state of Operation Last Hold is the total defeat of the Boko Haram Terrorist Sect.
“Strategically, the conduct of Operation Last Hold will facilitate the restoration of fishing, farming and other economic activities in the Lake Chad Basin.
“Additionally, it will facilitate the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons from IDP camps to their communities,” he said.
Chief of Military/Civil Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, explained further that the operation would witness the construction of new homes for Internally Displaced Persons at their towns.
He said the military would cooperate with the state governments during the planting season in the area of clearing of land and providing protection.
This is to ensure food sufficiency.
The areas that would be largely affected are Monguno, Gajiran, Baga, Dapchi, Geidam, Michika, Askira Uba, Kukawa and Mallam Fatori.
Gashage, Arege, Kerenuwa, Gamboru Ngala Jilil, Bama, Pulka, Marte, Damboa, Dikwa, among other affected towns in the North East would also be reached, Angabzo said.
