Why We Have Not Reclaimed All Towns Captured By Boko Haram --Army

The Nigerian Army has been criticized in several quarters for
allegedly being lackadaisical in its fight against insurgency in
Nigeria's north east. The army however said on Wednesday that the need
to reduce collateral damage had delayed the recapture of some towns
seized by Boko Haram.

Brig.-Gen. Olajide Laleye, the Director, Army Public Relations gave
the explanation while responding to questions from journalists.

"We are not interested in collateral damage," he said.

"The Nigeria Army is very careful about collateral damage, to that
extent our operations are carefully planned to make sure that
collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.

"If certain areas have not been recaptured it is because the Nigerian
army is giving such areas very careful plans, the plans are ongoing.

"At the right time you will see the outcome; we will not tell you, of
course, before hand, of what we intend to do; but you will see the
outcome," Laleye said.

He however said Nigerians will be pleased at the end of the operations
going on to dislodge the terrorists, such that collateral damage is
reduced to the barest minimum.

"The Nigerian Army wishes to restate its determination to bring this
counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations to a speedy and
decisive end.

"Equally, the Nigerian Army seizes this opportunity to reassure
Nigerians of its preparedness to support relevant agencies in the
successful conduct of the 2015 general elections,'' he said.