The Defence Headquarters has deployed troops, drones, and other equipment to Kainji Lake National Park to eliminate any potential terrorist presence in the area.
Also, the DHQ reported that operatives had thoroughly combed the entire area over the past six weeks in search of terrorists suspected to be hiding in the park.
This was following a report by the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think-tank in June, stating that there was ample evidence that Islamist terrorists from the Sahel region had crossed into Nigeria through the Benin Republic border.
The jihad fighters were said to have settled in Kebbi State and the Kainji National Park and turned the facility into their base.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, on Friday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, stated that during the operations carried out over the past six weeks, troops did not encounter any terrorists said to be hiding in the park.
He said, “Based on allegations that terrorists were hibernating in Kainji Lake National Park. Troops of the armed forces immediately deployed have since been combing the general area of KLNP using fighting patrols, drones and aerial surveillance by the NAF for the past six weeks.
“Additionally, troops have conducted several operations in the area in conjunction with DSS, vigilantes and park rangers. These operations were aimed at dislodging any terrorist presence at the location. However, no contact was made as terrorists were not found at the location.”
He added that troops extended their operations to the border with the Benin Republic, but no terrorists were found.
Buba noted that the military high command suspected the terrorists might be fleeing across the border to evade contact with the troops.
He said, “Troops further extended their operations to the border with the Republic of Benin, but made no contact. There is a suspicion that terrorists may be fleeing across the border to avoid an encounter with the troops.”
Buba, however, stated that operational changes were being implemented to prevent terrorists from using the area as a hiding place.
He said, “Nevertheless, troops are making necessary operational adjustments in order to ensure terrorists don’t hibernate at the location. The operation is still ongoing.
