Boko Haram still holds territory in Nigeria – U.S. General
For the second time in a couple of months, lie has been put to claims by the federal government that Boko Haram has been de-mobilised and 'technically' degraded.
The commander of the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), Gen. David Rodriguez told the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee that the Islamic terror group still holds territory in northern Nigeria.
According to him, 'Boko Haram does hold some significant territory in northern Nigeria, as do Al-Shabaab in limited areas of Somalia.'
Jennifer Cooke of the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS) gave credence to Rodriguez assertion, noting that: 'It is important to remember that Boko Haram has proved resilient to setbacks in the past. The possibility that it will regroup and rebuild should be the source of critical regional and international concern.'
Dr. Cooke, none the less gave kudos to the Nigerian military and the MJTF, for the success so far recorded in the fight against the group, saying, 'Many thousands of Boko Haram members, along with a number of its senior leaders, have been killed or captured, and the group no longer appears to have access to the kinds of transport and equipment — tanks, armored vehicles, Toyota Hilux trucks — that it has had in the past.'
Dr. Cooke also pointed out that the group's leader, Abubakar Shekau, has been silent.
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'The group's media operation — which reportedly received technical assistance from ISIL — has gone largely quiet, and there have been no video appearances by erstwhile leader Abubakar Shekau (or by any of his alleged imposters) since early 2015. – Authority.