The Nigerian Army on Thursday in Jos reiterated its resolve to put an end to the activities of the Boko Haram sect and other religious extremists.
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Marwa, the GOC, 3 Armoured Division, who gave the warning in a statement, said the Division would no longer condone any act of criminality, particularly in the North-East zone, which falls within its area of responsibility.
He announced that the Army Headquarters had ordered the Division to relocate its “tactical headquarters'' to Gombe, in view of the intractable security situation in the region.
Marwa said the measure was to enable the army to properly co-ordinate and fight the activities of religious extremists in the North-East zone.
He said soldiers trained as members of the Quick Response Group had been fully deployed to fish out the criminal elements within the area.
Marwa expressed satisfaction with the operational readiness and equipment handling of the officers and soldiers of the? group, and challenged them to maintain a high level of alertness at all times, so as not to be taken unawares by any criminal group.
He said the Army High Command had visited Boko Haram settlements destroyed by troops in Bauchi, Gombe, Potiskum, Maiduguri, Damaturu, Biu, Mubi and Yola, adding that the troops also arrested some suspects.
“The suspects are undergoing interrogation in various parts within the Division.''
Marwa decried the wanton destruction of lives and property by religious extremists in the area, and advised them to embrace peace in their own interest.
He assured members of the public who were resident in the region, of the safety of the lives and property, and urged them to go about their lawful activities without fear.