Army Chief says Boko Haram has been defeated

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has stated once again, that Boko Haram has been defeated totally.

Buratai said this at the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, when he paid the monarch a courtesy visit.

The Army chief also said the terror group does not have the capability to regroup in any part of Nigeria.

Punch reports that Buratai said "You can see that our efforts in the North-East has really paid off as you can recall the incessant bombing of market places and different places of worships and populated areas has virtually stopped now. And I can assure you and the people of Plateau State is that they will never witness Boko Haram attacks like you witnessed in the past.

“For a long time now, we have not had any cases of that nature here on the Plateau and other parts of Nigeria, it is because of the efforts of the military in the North-East. The Nigerian Army has not only succeeded in rooting them from their camps in the North-East, we have been able to block these criminal elements from crossing down to these areas or building their camp anywhere in Nigeria.

“I want to assure you that we will remain resolute in the discharge of our duties. I want to particularly commend you on your role as the Gbong Gwom Jos, including all the moral support you gave us through wise counsel. We must acknowledge your support.

“Apart from you, I want to also acknowledge the cooperation of Plateau people to the Nigerian Army; it is a fact that we have received excellent cooperation and understanding especially towards the Nigerian Army operating in Plateau State.”

He added that Boko Haram has been hit hard, that is why they have not been able to successfully carry out attacks in the North-East.

He also attributed the success in the ongoing war against terrorism to the bravery of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

The dethroned Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau recently appeared in a new video vowing to fight on.

Shekau who pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015, was removed by the international terror group and replaced with Abu Musab al-Barnawi.