Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, said the federal government was winning the war on terrorism in the northeastern area of the country.
The minister said this in an exclusive interview with the Nigeria News Agency in Abuja.
He recalled how some communities under the total control of the insurgents before 2015 had been taken over by the federal government.
Mohammed said this was due to the relentless efforts of the military and other security forces.
The Minister attributed the successes to various federal morale-building efforts in addition to the acquisition of new military equipment.
Nigeria’s news agency reports that the federal government has taken delivery of 10 Super Tucano fighter jets, with two more expected by the end of October.
“There is no doubt that the government is winning the war against terrorists.
“A few years ago, when we arrived in 2015; of Borno’s 20 local government areas, about 13 were under the effective control of Boko Haram.
“On December 5, 2015, we went to Bama, Konduga, Kaure and Maiduguri.
The distance from Maiduguri to Bama is about 78 kilometers, but no vehicles are driving. It was like a suicide mission.
“The week after we left, a commander was killed on the same route.
“When we got to Bama, out of the over 6,000 houses in Bama; not one was standing. They were all bombed by Boko Haram.
“Today go to Bama and see for yourselves. And when we went there in 2015, you couldn’t travel more than a few kilometers from the metropolis of Maiduguri.
“So there is no doubt in my mind that we are winning. And if that’s further proof; the thousands of insurgents who surrender speak volumes.
“We were in Maiduguri two weeks ago for another very successful public meeting where all stakeholders were present such as traditional leaders, army, police and CSOs.
The governor confirmed that the increased assaults and attacks by the military in the theater had led to the surrender of many insurgents.
“And again, the military has recently acquired more platforms and these are making life difficult for terrorists.
This is why every time they try to enter, they are fiercely repelled.
“There is no doubt in our mind that the federal government is winning the war, very very good,” he said.
The minister further explained that the fierce confrontation faced by terrorists in the northeast had pushed them to the north-central region to ally with the bandits.
However, he gave assurances that the military attack would continue until full peace and stability were restored in all parts of the country.
“In some places, the activities of Boko Haram and bandits have overlapped.
“It is because of the beatings they receive from the army in the northeast, they are moving to parts of the center-north.
“And here they bond with bandits, so there are some kind of handshakes.
“It’s like if you move the water, it will flow somewhere, that’s what happens.
“But the military are aware of this and I can assure you that in the coming days; it will also be history.
“The army is doing its best and we are not giving up at all,” he added.
Source: NAN
