Military Has Obeyed Buhari's Order, Moves Base To Maiduguri

A week after taking formal orders from President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigeria army headquarters on Monday commenced the process of moving its base to Maiduguri, for more effective tackling of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists.

An advance military team led by a two-star General has already arrived Maiduguri, Borno state capital, during the weekend. The team is to commence the establishment of a Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) tagged operation Zaman Lafiya.

“In compliance with the Presidential pronouncement and the chief of army staff’s directive, a reconnaissance and advance team for the establishment of the Military Command and Control Centre for Operation Zaman Lafiya for fight against terrorism and insurgency has moved to Borno state.

“The team, which is led by a two-star General, has already commenced work in earnest and it is comprised of elements of the office of the Chief of Army Staff, all the relevant Army Headquarters Departments and other combat support components. The centre will serve as a forward command Base for the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs.

“The Centre is essentially an elaboration of an already existing Army Headquarters Command and Control arrangement. From now on, the fight against terrorism and insurgency would be monitored, coordinated and controlled from the centre. I wish to inform you that it’s establishment would not create another layer of command structure but would add impetus and renewed vigour to Operation Zaman Lafiya, all aimed at bringing terrorism and insurgency to an end. An alternate command centre is also being established in Yola.”

This was revealed to journalists in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, who was part of the advanced team.