Representative of the United States (US) of America and others, yesterday, condemned the killing of three Nigerian aid workers in a Boko Haram attack on a military installation in Rann area of Borno State. The US Embassy, in a statement in Abuja, pledged its support to Nigerians, “as they bravely work to ensure their nation’s security.”
According to the statement, “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to every family whose loved ones have been affected by this and other terrorist acts. We voice our heartfelt solidarity with all those humanitarian workers who work every day to help Nigerians affected by the ongoing insurgency. We expressed sympathy for all those security forces and Nigerian citizens working together to end this terrorist violence.”
The Embassy said that the United States remained firmly committed to ensuring humanitarian workers were protected and able to do their life-saving work. Meanwhile, the military has reviewed the pattern of information management in all ongoing counter-insurgency operations and would henceforth communicate only successes, rather than strategies of operations.
Acting Director Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. John Agim, said yesterday in a statement that this was the decision taken during the meeting of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), other Service Chiefs and Director General of Department of State Services (DSS) in Maiduguri. He said the security chiefs met and reviewed the ongoing operations in the northeast, particularly the operation to get back the Dapchi schoolgirls, who were abducted by terrorists on February 19.
According to him, it was sadly observed that the military operation strategies have always been in the media space, thereby giving the insurgents and terrorists opportunity to re-strategise. The DDI quoted the CDS as soliciting the support and cooperation of the media and the public in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. Agim said it was important to be mindful of speculations that could jeopardise the ongoing efforts and put the lives of the abducted girls or any other persons involved in the efforts at risk.