The United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has expressed concern over the search of a UN base for humanitarian workers by security forces in Maiduguri, Borno State, and has demanded explanation on the search.
Security forces entered the humanitarian base at 5am yesterday and searched the tented camp for close to three hours, the coordinator said in a statement.
Kallon said the UN had no information regarding the “reason or motivations” for the search, but was working with the government on the issue.
“The humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s north-east is one of the most severe in the world today,” said Kallon. “I am extremely concerned that these actions could be detrimental to the critical work that is being carried out every day to support the most vulnerable in the region and I call upon the Government of Nigeria to provide clarification,” he added.
But Daily Trust gathered that the search was carried out amid speculation that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, was hiding in one of the UN buildings after terrorists infiltrated the UN staff quarters at Pompomari By-pass and a few other locations in Maiduguri metropolis.
The military has intensified the search for Shekau after an ultimatum given by the Chief of Armty Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai.
The military said yesterday in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt Col Kingsley Samuel: “As part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations, the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole has been conducting several clearance as well as cordon-and-search operations in urban and rural areas within the Theatre. The clearance operations effort has been yielding several successes.
“It has forced the Boko Haram terrorists to change tactics and resort to employment of suicide bombers to target military locations and the populace. In the last one week, cordon-and-search operations were conducted in Jiddari-Polo, Muna Garage, Jakana, and several other areas. On 10th August 2017, Theatre Command received information from one of its credible sources that some high value BHT suspects had infiltrated into Pompomari By-Pass.
“It therefore became expedient to take preemptive action by combing the general area through a cordon and search operations. The operation was successfully conducted as over 30 houses were searched.
One of such included a property which was said to be occupied by United Nations staff, although the property did not carry a UN designation.
“On the whole, operation in the general area was successfully concluded but no arrest was made because the suspects were not found.
“The command wishes to assure the general public that these operations are being conducted to safeguard lives and properties but not targeted at any individual or group. The general public is cautioned to avoid peddling rumours which may cause disaffection and to remain law abiding.”
The Defence Headquarters yesterday said troops of Operation Lafia Dole did not invade the United Nations house in Maiduguri, but only conducted a cordon and search operation in that general area in line with the re-invigorated effort of the military on counter terrorism operations in the North East as a whole.
Defence spokesman, Major General John Enenche said it was noteworthy that the house being referred to as United Nations building is an unmarked accommodation occupied by the United Nations.
He said, “Notwithstanding, the search operation was conducted peacefully at the premises, when the troops were allowed into it, just like other buildings. Furthermore, the relationship between the Nigerian military and the United Nations has been cordial, aimed at working towards a more secured world in general and Nigeria in particular, which will be sustained. Thus, everything will be done by the Nigerian military to ensure that United Nations activities and interests are given adequate protection and encouragement”.
Also, the Publicity Secretary of the APC, Makinta Zarami, said in a statement issued in Maiduguri yesterday that loyalists of former Governor Ali Modu-Sheriff led by one Barrister Kolo Adam were behind ongoing spread of “dangerous rumours” claiming that Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, had been arrested at a UN-rented facility in Maiduguri with the aim of inciting youths against humanitarian workers in order to destabilize the fragile peace in parts of Borno State. He called on security agencies to immediately arrest Adam.
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