The major factor that hinders the Nigerian army from defeating Boko Haram is the lack of an army aviation, helicopters specifically, says Olusegun Ade
The major factor that hinders the Nigerian army from defeating Boko Haram is the lack of an army aviation, helicopters specifically, says Olusegun Adeniyi, who is the Theater Commander of the army’s operation against the terror group.
He said this when he received a delegation of the National Assembly joint committee on the army led by Borno senator, Ali Ndume.
The war general said Boko Haram has never been a “formidable force” as they are perceived to be.
“The only thing that needs to be given to the army now is Nigeria Army Aviation. There is a way you solve a problem that will change the game. The army needs combat helicopters to end the Boko Haram war. If we have it, it will not be deployed like air force assets, air force jets which are for bigger strategic goals.
“These helicopters will sleep with us in the trench, they will be with us in the front line. These helicopters and the rifles are dispatched together. I know this has been on the table for years. When this is done, Nigeria can forget about Boko Haram.”
Despite the insurgents killing hundreds of soldiers in the past year, Mr Adeniyi emphasised his belief that they are not a formidable force.
“Let me say Boko Haram is not a formidable force, Boko Haram is not strong; Boko Haram cannot sustain 15 minutes of intensive firing. I personally exchange with Boko Haram in Marte, in Delta, in Gubio as deputy theater commander and as theatre commander,” he said.
He spoke more on the army’s request for its own combat helicopters, separate from those of the air force. He said unlike the air force jets, the army aviation helicopters would perform more critical roles during attacks.
“Air force is doing a wonderful job, but their reach is too long, it is what we call close air support.”
The Boko Haram insurgency which started about 11 years ago, has continued to drag on till now despite government funding for the troops. The federal government has repeatedly claimed the terrorists and their activities have been decimated and that Boko Haram is no longer a threat.
But the actions of the outlawed armed group in recent months during which hundreds of soldiers were killed have called to questions the claims by the government.
