The move came to light barely 48 hours after the United States (US) said security efforts were necessary to protect innocent Nigerians, prevent Boko Haram’s acts of violence, capture and prosecute its leaders.
The 8,000 troops to be deployed there, according to sources, are made up of 7,000 troops from army headquarters brigade in Yola, Adamawa State, the army headquarters brigade (Mongonu) in Maiduguri, the battalion in Yobe and the army headquarters brigade in Sokoto as well as the about 1,000 troops recalled from operations in Mali.
Before the establishment of the division which CN Blog gathered was on the recommendation of the Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Oyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, parts of the Area of Responsibility (AOR) were under the 1st Infantry Division of the army in Kaduna, which has Major General Garba Wahab as GOC and 3rd Armoured Division in Jos which has Major General Awala as GOC.
Asked about the fate of the Major General Ewansiha led JTF in Maiduguri, with the establishment of the new division, a source said the JTF will work hand in hand with the new division, adding, however, that it (JTF) is an interim force which most likely will be scaled down after the first phase (6 months) of the state of emergency had achieved its objectives.
The upgrade became necessary, according to sources, to provide air cover and patrols over the vast and dense forests of the North-east where Boko Haram insurgents held sway for months, hoisting their flags, claiming territories and collecting taxes from Nigerians.
Towards this end, it was gathered that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh, has directed the relocation of some patrol and surveillance aircraft from the 81 Air Maritime Command in Benin, and the Special Operations Group in Port Harcourt to Yola. Some Alpha jets will also leave Kainji for Yola.
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