Army launches new operation against ISWAP in Northeast

The Nigerian Army theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole said it has launched “Operation Positive Identification” against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeastern part of the country.

The operation has become necessary following credible information that some of the fleeing criminals were hibernating in some towns and villages of Borno and Yobe States in particular, and North East in general, according to the army.

Consequently, the Nigerian army has advised the public to always carry valid means of identification when moving or passing through Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

In a statement by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations (OPLD), Colonel Isa Ado, on Sunday, he said: “Our troops have been instructed to strictly check valid means of identification such as National Identification Card, Voters Registration Card, Drivers’ License and International Passports, or other valid official identification, before allowing such person passage.

“We therefore once again enjoin all to fully cooperate with troops and security agencies in carrying out this exercise.

The Theatre Command also stated that anyone who was not positively identified would attract further scrutiny and comprehensive investigation to determine his or her activities with the insurgents or otherwise.

“The general public is please requested to bear with this measure as it is in their best interest and our national security, as well as efforts to end the madness called insurgency as perpetrated by the erstwhile Boko HARAM/ISWAP fighters,” he concluded.