Boko Haram Leader Shekau Not Arrested As Nigerian Troops Raid ‘UN Staff Residence’, 29 Other Homes In Maiduguri

In continuation of its counterinsurgency operations, troops attached to Operation Lafiya Dole, the counter-terrorism initiative of the Federal Government, have raided 30

houses, including one occupied by a staff of the United Nations.

 The raid was part of the ongoing cordon and search operations in urban and rural areas in the epicenter of the insurgency crisis in and around Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Kingsley Samuel of the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole in response to wild rumors that Boko Haram leader was arrested in Maiduguri earlier today.

According to the statement, the search and cordon operations have forced Boko Haram terrorists into change tactics, which has manifested in the employment of suicide bombers to target military locations and the populace.

As a result of the change added the statement, the cordon and search initiative has been intensified in Maiduguri metropolis and surrounding communities.  In the last one week, the statement said, raids were conducted in many locations, including Jiddari–Polo, Muna Garage, Jakana.

“On 10 August, Theatre Command received information from one of its credible sources that some high-value Boko Haram terror suspects had infiltrated the Pompomari Bye- Pass.  It, therefore, became expedient to take preemptive action by combing the general area through a cordon and search operations.  The operation was successfully conducted, as over 30 houses were searched,” the statement disclosed.

It revealed that one of the houses raided was said to be occupied by United Nations (UN) staff. However, explained the statement, the property did not carry a UN designation. Also, the raids did not yield any arrest, as the suspects were not found.

The Theatre Command assured people in the area that the raids are not targeted at any individual or group, but to protect the lives and properties of innocent inhabitants. It advised members of the public to avoid attributing the raids to other motives other than those stated.

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