CDS takes over Buratai to lead Boko Haram war
– The changes in the command of the Nigerian army caused a huge setback in the war against insurgents
– Buratai as army chief steps in the battle against the insurgents
Women and children look at burnt out houses following an attack by Boko Haram in Dalori
The recent changes in the strategies against the deadly Boko Haram sect caused unease in the Nigerian army.
Therefore, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin took over the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to lead the battle aimed to wipe out the insurgents.
Daily Post exclusive investigation shows that the finding follows days on the seeming spate in the attacks of Boko Haram, after the group’s inability to carry out main attacks towards the end of 2015 year.
The recent shake-up in the Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole reportedly was part of moves by the army to confirm that the Defence Headquarters was now responsible for all operations.
Major General Hassan Umar becomes the heade of the operation in the end of December.
Also, the General Officer Commanding, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, was substituted with Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu.
He was sent to Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) with headquarters in Chad.
The latest massacre of the insurgents in Dalori near Maiduguri occurred while the changes were still being discussed.
The incident marred the image of the Muhammadu Buhari’s government, that claimed that the deadly sect has been technically defeated.
Answering to the questions why Buratai, in his position as Army Chief, was yet to visit the scene of the massacre in spite of visits by a federal government delegation and the new Theatre head, the army sources confirmed that the Boko Haram operation has been transferred to the CDS.
A source said: “Mr. Buratai usually visits attacked communities. Instances are Geidam, Madagali, among others. He visits within 24 hours with warnings and words of encouragement to troops.”
However, the investigation shows that the COAS stayed away after recent attacks in Chibok, Wanori and Dalori, while it also seems that the change in command and control of the soldiers has commenced taking toll on operations.
“Soldiers in battle front believe the development came at a wrong time. We used to have daily raids against Boko Haram,” added another source.
“They are now relaxed because everyone is waiting for the new plan directly from CDS’s office. We hope politics is not coming into play over management of operations.
“The war on Boko Haram should be from Maiduguri, not Abuja. We must not allow room for lapses. Many of the troops are not happy about the restructure and this is the truth.
“Being the ground troops and doing the bulk of the work, they want the COAS, whether Buratai or not, to be in command not CDS.
“In the past, operations directly under Defence were full of issues; go back to history. We only had some relief during the tenure of Ihejirika and now Buratai.
“Honestly, the recent upsurge in Boko Haram attacks is an indication Nigeria is moving back to square one and the fact that the terrorists all escaped after Dalori massacre shows we are in trouble.”
Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, Director Defence Information, didn’t confirm the development yet.
At least 86 people were killed and at least 62 more wounded in an attack by Boko Haram militants on Dalori village 4 kilometers from Maiduguri on January 30. The attack was a reprisal to the Civilian Joint Task Force, and it began when militants in two cars and on motorcycles entered Dalori and began to shoot at residents and firebomb their huts. The attack lasted for about four hours, and the militants supposedly burnt children alive.
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