Army launches public address system aimed at convincing Boko Haram to accept peace

NIGERIAN Army chiefs have launched a public address system which they plan to use to make broadcasts de-indoctrinating and dissuading Boko Haram insurgents from continuing on the path of terrorism.

 

Over recent months, the Nigerian Army has enjoyed increased success in its war against Boko Haram, expelling the terrorists from many of their strongholds in Borno State. However, Boko Haram is still functional and pockets of terrorists still roam around northeastern Nigeria, carrying out sporadic attacks.

 

In a bid to get those still carrying arms to surrender under a government amnesty plan, chief of army staff Lt General Tukur Buratai, has launched a public address system in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. He disclosed that the new public address system was being introduced in line with the Nigerian Army information policy on fighting the Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism.

 

General Buratai said: “This public address system is being introduced and is in line with our information policy, which is part of the information operation that we have been embarking upon. We have Peace FM, which is operating very well and I think this is a very good initiative by the theatre commander and his officers.

 

“This could also be part of the de-indoctrination programme so as to target individuals who may want to continue with this unfortunate insurgency and terrorism. Some of them may even come with the intention of attacking the people. But when we appeal to them in those places, they may decide to drop whatever they are carrying."

 

He noted that previously, the military had used leaflets and other means to disseminate information to discourage individuals, especially the terrorists from carrying out atrocities. General Buratai asked the theatre commander and other operators of the public address system to go to all public places like motor parks and markets to educate the people on what the military is doing to bring an end to the insurgency.

 

 “We will be able to dissuade them in this manner as that is the essence of communication. We want to reach everybody, so that we get the message across to the right people so that they can come back to their senses and be part of right-thinking society,” General Buratai added.