ABUJA, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian security forces on Wednesday commenced the operations to rid the border of terrorists and their activities, one day after the West African country vowed stringent measures in three northern states.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States to boost local security.
Spokesperson for the defense headquarters, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said in a statement reaching Xinhua that the armed forces, police and security agencies have started the operations in light of the president's directive.
Jonathan on Tuesday directed the chief of defense staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, to deploy more troops to Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
The operation would focus on tracking down criminal elements in the vicinity of the border communities prone to terrorist activities, Olukolade said, adding that the operations would involve massive deployment of men and resources.
He said this is aimed at asserting the nation's territorial integrity and enhancing the security of constituted governmental structures in all territories within the country's borders.
The statement quoted him as saying that participating troops had been appropriately briefed on arrests, cordon and search, especially directed at apprehending those violating the sovereignty of the nation through insurgency and related activities.
It added that the operation was expected to put an end to insurgent activities in those parts of the country.
The statement assured law abiding citizens that every effort had been put in place to ensure the safety of civilians and non- combatants during the operation.
The operation is intended to safeguard the nation's interests and citizens in all parts of the Federation, it added.
President Jonathan had a brisk meeting with the security chiefs over the wave of violence in the country, which has killed over hundreds of people in less than a month.
Only three days ago, about 40 people were reportedly killed in central north Benue State. Dozens of people were also killed in Borno and Yobe States a few days ago as Boko Haram appears to be growing bolder and more powerful.
In one attack, the sect laid waste to a local prison and police station, and also attacked a military facility, all in the same day.
Also on Monday, the Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility for the recent assault on Baga and Bama in Borno state, in which up to 200 people, including soldiers, policemen, prison warders and civilians, were massacred.
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