The Government of Yobe State says repentant Boko Haram members are assisting in counterinsurgency operations in the state.
This was made known in a press briefing by Retired Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam, the Special Adviser on Security to Gov. Mai Mala Buni as a response to the complaints of the citizens of the state.
The citizens had earlier questioned the involvement of repentant insurgents in security operations in Geidam town.
“There is no government that will take any decision that is to the detriment of its people. The government is committed to ending insurgency so that we can have peace,” he said.
“We have these repentant Boko Haram insurgents called ‘ hybrid force’ that have been assisting security agencies in conducting operations in Damaturu, Goniri and Buni Yadi.
“First, they assist with information about insurgents, through their sources that are still with Boko Haram and ISWAP.
”Secondly, they assist with information about Boko Haram and ISWAP collaborators and suppliers,” he said.
He said the individuals were deployed to Geidam to help contain the infiltration of terrorists, and urged the citizens to cooperate with them.
“In Geidam, there are people engaging in business activities on behalf of Boko Haram. There are those who supply food, fuel and other essentials to the insurgents.
“The hybrid forces had identified persons having links with Boko Haram leadership and their supply chain, As a result of this, 12 people have been arrested, interrogated in Geidam and transferred to Damaturu.
“The major requirement of Boko Haram is fuel, food and medicine. That is why they attack hospitals, break into shops and steal materials.
“So these are the logistics they need that they continue to disturb us and innocent individuals,” Abdulsalam said.
Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community or Google News online channel.
