The Nigerian Army has raised alarm that the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) has embarked on massive recruitment of fighters to swell its ranks following the depletion of the terrorists through mass surrendering and killings by troops of Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyeama Nwachukwu, said at the Headquarters of Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri, Borno State, because of the new wave of recruitment by ISWAP, members of the public should be on the lookout within their immediate environment, adding that it is very important to engage the media to block this recruitment.
According to General Nwachukwu, who spoke in Maiduguri on Sunday: “I will like to mention that the ISWAP, very recently, haven been depleted by the surrendering of their member, as well as and conflict between them. They have embarked on what I will call a massive recruitment drive and I consider it very important to engage the media to block this recruitment.
“The Boko Haram insurgents have been surrendering. People have questioned the authenticity of the surrendering of these insurgents and why they are surrendering at this time. There are also the questions on the reintegration of these insurgents.
“Another question is what the plight of the victims of the insurgency is. That is the essence of this tour. The military is not resting on its oars in the fight to end insurgency and insecurity in the country.”
Nwachukwu also said the fight against insurgency in the Northeast had recorded success.
“At some point, the insurgents almost took over the three State capitals of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe in the North-East. Some three years back, Boko Haram was advancing towards the Federal Capital Territory. Today they have been boxed in to the Timbuks” he added.
The theatre Commander, Theater Command, Operations Hadin Kai, Major General Christopher Musa, also said the military have been trying their best in handling the issue of Boko Haram within the international laws.