The United States Department of State is worried about Nigeria’s inability
to effectively secure and hold onto territories recaptured from Boko Haram
terrorists despite the successes recorded by the Multi-National joint task
force.
This assertion is contained in the United States country report on
terrorism for the year 2016 submitted to the US Congress in compliance
with the title 22 of the US Code.
The report, published on July 19, highlights the successes and failings of
the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists.
It indicates that the Federal government’s progress report on the fight
against terror is merely a duplication of failed efforts carried over from
the end of last year’s fighting season.
It says the Nigerian government has not been able to rebuild civilian
structures and institutions in areas captured. Just as it has not been
able to rescue the remaining Chibok school girls abducted in 2014.
“Despite gains made by the MNJTF, much of its reported progress was merely
duplication of failed efforts carried over from the end of the last
dry/fighting season. The Nigerian military was unable to hold and rebuild
civilian structures and institutions in those areas it had cleared,” the
report reads in part.
“Most of the remaining students abducted by BH in Chibok remained in
captivity, although one girl was found in Borno, and the Government of
Nigeria successfully negotiated the release of 21 of the kidnapping
victims.”
According to the report, terrorist activity accounted for the displacement
of nearly two million persons in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba,
and Yobes.
Although it notes that the Nigerian government continued to facilitate the
return of internally displaced persons to their home communities, it said
this was sometimes done without first putting “appropriate conditions in
place for safe, informed, and voluntary returns”.
It adds, “There was no evidence in 2016 of the implementation of a
coordinated plan to restore civilian security in recaptured
territories.”In partnership with international donors, the Nigerian
government set up several institutions to coordinate the reconstruction of
areas destroyed by the conflict in the northeast.”
The report also accuses the Nigerian government of failing to get help
from regional organisations.
It says, “The Nigerian government has not invested significant resources
or time enlisting regional organisations, such as the Economic
Organisation of West African States and Economic Community of Central
African States, to assist with the BH problem.
“Instead, the Government of Nigeria preferred to engage BH militants in
direct, unilateral military action and through the MNJTF, which is headed
by a Nigerian military officer.”
• On January 28, six male and female suicide bombers detonated explosives
in Chibok, killing 16 people. While other attacks this year may have
resulted in greater casualties, the number of bombers made this attack
significant.
• On January 30, BH attacked Dalori with three female suicide bombers and
dozens of conventional attackers. At least 85 people were killed.
• On February 9, two female suicide bombers detonated explosives at the
Dikwa camp. At least 58 people were killed and 78 people were injured.
• On September 20, a military convoy was attacked in the town of Malam
Fatori, Borno State, killing 40 people and injuring dozens.
• On October 16, a Nigerian Army battalion located in Gashagar Village,
northern Borno, was attacked by BH members who overran the army position.
At least 24 soldiers were reported as missing in action and have not been
reported as found. Several of the army’s vehicles were reportedly
destroyed or recovered by BH.
• On December 9, two female suicide bombers detonated themselves in a
market in Madagali Village, Adamawa State. Nigerian military officials
reported 30 people dead and 68 people wounded. Open source news reported
up to 57 people dead and 177 people wounded.