Boko Haram attacks military base in Borno

•Experts urge proactive approach to conflict resolution
•‘Nigeria-Niger joint commission to promote peace in border communities’

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists, in five gun trucks, have attacked a military base at Tamsukawu in Kaga Local Council of Borno State.

The Guardian gathered that the terrorists burst from the southern fringe of Sambisa Forest, yesterday, and targeted soldiers at the base, chanting “Allahu Akbar” (‘God is great’ in Arabic) with the residents running for dear lives.

However, the terrorists reportedly spared civilians.

Confirming yesterday’s incident in Maiduguri, the Commander, Sector 3 of Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), Modu Fannami, disclosed that the terrorists were in military uniform.

He said the clash between the terrorists and troops lasted for over an hour, before a fighter jet, along with ground troops, came as reinforcement for the soldiers.

“The few soldiers at the base are currently engaged in a heavy gun battle,” he said, adding that the terrorists were eventually repelled towards the forest.

On casualties, he said the number of soldiers and terrorists killed or injured were yet to be ascertained.

Motorists plying the road were also asked to stop at Ngamdu, yesterday, until the army cleared the road by 4.00pm.

STAKEHOLDERS have called on the Nigerian military to use proactive approach as part of efforts to resolve conflicts in the country.

Experts made the call in Abuja during a capacity building workshop for military information managers tagged ‘Proactive Conflict Sensitive Communication and Defence Information: Emerging Issues and Strategies in Media Relations’ for Public relations and information officers in the armed forces.

One of the resource persons, Dr. Okey Ikechukwu, said: “Brand transformation is what is needed by the military in conflict resolution.”

According to him, to be proactive is to create or control a situation rather than react to happenings.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) represented by the Chief of Policy and Planning, Defence Headquarters, Air Marshal Dahiru Sanda, said: “The training is aimed at further expanding the knowledge base of information officers and the involving technique of information management.”

The Assistant Director, Defence Information, Air Vice Marshal, Wap Magida, said: “The training came at the right time when the country is facing insurgency, banditry and crime.”

For the Chief Executive of Media Today International, Charles Odenigbo, the media is at the receiving end, and so the military needs to be conscious when dealing with the public.

HOWEVER, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has said that the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation (NNJCC) is to promote border communities’ mutual understanding and peace.

According to him, the Local Bilateral Committee (LBC) was to identify and propose the implementation of development projects in the Lake Chad Basin.

Mustapha, represented by the Permanent Secretary (Political), Andrew Adejo, disclosed this yesterday while opening the LBC meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri.

“LBC was created in July, 1990 in Maiduguri between Nigeria and Niger by signing an agreement for a joint commission for cooperation.

“This is the Federal Government’s efforts to maintain friendly relationships with the international community,” he said.