Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor yesterday declared that troops of the Nigerian military has demystified Alagarno – the spiritual power base of the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East, by capturing it.
Disclosing this when he briefed newsmen in Maiduguri, Irabor said: “Our gallant troops finally entered Alagarno on March 28, during which several Boko Haram terrorists were killed along the route. This operation demystified the Boko Haram terrorist spiritual power base in Alagarno.

“Throughout the operation, the NAF monitored the operation, consistently resupplied the advancing troops as well as assisted in evacuating soldiers that were wounded in action.”


Recalling that Nigerian Army troops in February captured Kumshe in collaboration with Cameroonian forces, he stated that,“Twenty Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while equipment captured include one gun truck mounted with anti-aircraft gun, 2 AK 47 rifles as well as 60 mm mortar.”

He went on to disclose that on March 23, troops advanced to clear, capture and hold Kala-Balge Local Government Area and the entire areas, adding that, “In the process, pockets of insurgents in Wumbi, Tunish and Tilem villages were cleared. The Boko Haram training camp at Tilem was destroyed.”

According to Irabor, the terrorists suffered heavy causalities, while 567 civilian hostages were freed from their enclave.

“Troops are currently conducting clearing operations in the general area to destroy remnants of the terrorists still operating in Kala Balge.”


The theater commander pointed out that motorcycles had been inducted into the operation and launched by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. –Gen. Tukur Buratai on Feb 27, at Damboa. He also said that, “the Motor Cycle Battalion has been very useful in areas of road piquetting and for patrols among other tasks.’’