The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not allow the Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP), which he labelled “a foreign terrorist organisation,” to have strong footing in Nigeria.
General Musa told journalists on Wednesday, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, that ISWAP was being sponsored by foreigners with some local collaborations, stating that the terrorists that were refusing to surrender to the Nigerian troops belonged to ISWAP and not the Boko Haram.
Saying that ISWAP, being funded by foreign individuals and probably some locals with foreign leadership and no stake in Nigeria, noted that “It is very clear that ISWAP are foreigners coming to invade our country which we will never allow to happen.
“That is why I want to encourage those of them, especially those members that are with them to pull out and understand that they have no stake in what those guys are doing.
“They don’t wish the country well they don’t wish themselves well and we will never allow any foreigner step an inch on ground in Nigeria.”
The Theatre Commander stated that the military had advised the governments on the need to adopt the system of involving the victims in dialogue on the handling of the surrendered terrorists.
He added that the government must ensure that the victims were not left out, saying that people should be assured that the proper processes would be followed without compromise.
According to him, some of the victims are military men, as the military has lost wonderful officers and soldiers.