Jonathan orders total war against Boko Haram

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the armed forces to launch a full-scale military operation against Boko Haram and other violent organisations to put an end to their impunity in the country. “I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability by waging a total war against terrorism,” he said in his nationwide Democracy Day broadcast in Abuja on Thursday. It was not immediately known what such an offensive could entail given that the North-East where most of the activities of terrorists take place has been under emergency rule and a full-scale military operation for a year now. But a top Defence Headquarters official toldThe PUNCHshortly after the broadcast that the Special Forces and other security operatives involved in the prosecution of the anti-terrorism campaign would have a near unlimited space to operate. The phrase “total war”, however, was used by Chad’s President Idriss Deby following a meeting of Nigeria’s neighbours in Paris in mid-May, in which they sought a common strategy to fight the militants. “I assure you … that these thugs will be driven away. It will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal,” Jonathan said. The President explained that the full-scale operation against the terrorists had become imperative because they had unleashed war on Nigeria. But he still did not rule out “dialogue, reconciliation” with the insurgents if they renounced terrorism and embraced peace. Jonathan said that Nigeria’s unity, stability and the protection of lives and property were non-negotiable. He restated the determination of his administration to protect the nation’s democracy, national unity and political stability. The President said the activities of terror groups in the country had caused debilitating pains and horror for the nation particularly the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno, on April 14. “It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians. “I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home. “I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil. “I have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. “I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away. “It will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.” Jonathan lamented that terrorists were threatening to rubbish all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in the country. He also maintained that foreign elements were collaborating with some misguided Nigerians to bring down the country as well as its democracy and freedom. Jonathan said the abduction of the schoolgirls showed the heartless nature of terrorists who he said wanted to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanise the nation. He said, “It is a sad fact that as I address you today(Thursday), all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. “Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today. “The despicable abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless nature of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanise our nation. “In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy. “There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Readmore