Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, who confirmed this while briefing journalists in Abuja also disclosed that the Department of State Security would begin the investigation of five militants captured alive in the operation.
Omeri also said although it had been nine months since more than 200 schoolgirls were taken into captivity from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State; security forces would ensure that the girls were freed.
At the briefing, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Sani Sidi, said the number of Nigerians displaced by the activities of insurgency and natural disasters had swollen to 981,416.
Omeri said, “Today (Thursday) is Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria and it is set aside to remember the heroic effort of members of the Armed forces especially those who made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of our country and mankind.
“This year’s remembrance clearly brings to the fore the need for continuous support of the military especially in the campaign to end insurgency in some parts of the country. Therefore, we pay tribute to all our soldiers and other members of the security services who have been maimed, wounded or killed in the course of the campaign to defeat Boko Haram.
“In another vein, despite the fact that it is nine months since our girls were abducted from a secondary school in Chibok town, government has not relented and will not relent in deploying all efforts to ensure the rescue of these girls. The government therefore reassures the parents and relations of these girls, and in fact, all Nigerians of its commitment in this regards.”
He added, “The Nigerian Army successfully countered an attack by suspected Boko Haram militants near the town of Biu, Borno State. At least 42 insurgents, including 15 Chadians, were killed during an intense ground battle, which saw the military repel and then advance on the militants.”
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