In this report,Defence Correspondent MUSA UMAR BOLOGI writes on efforts of the military in bringing and sustaining peace in Gwoza community, former headquarters of Boko Haram terrorists, which aided a hitch-free Christmas celebration
Welcome to Christmas
The thunderous sound from the military rocket shock our building down its base. I woke up from my deep sleep terrified, and I jumped up from my bed and headed straight to the door for safety.The door was locked, and as I tried to crack it I turned right I saw two of my colleagues awake on their beds listening as the deafening sound of rockets continued.
After about five minutes, the thunderous sound stopped, and the barrack was dead silent once again. After a while, we all busted to laughter, and make prank of each other’sbehavour when the weapon firing lasted. We had been told earlier by the Brigade Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade inGwozato expect firing of military arsenals at 12 am on Christmas day. But we all slept off before the time, hence were cut unawares by the sound.Firing military weapon is a way troops usher in Christmas in the frontline.
Journey to Gwoza
Gwoza is a border town about 140 kilometers – a three hour drive – south-east of Maiduguri, the headquarters of Bornostate.
It has a rocky terrain and hills with heights of about 1300m above sea level, made up of the Mandara Mountains, which begins from a village called Pulka, and which form a natural barrier between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Though the journey to Gwoza by road before the outbreak of terrorism was about two hours drive, however due to bad road and demining of the road by troops – Boko Haram terrorists used to come from the Sambisa to plant mines on the road and ambush commuters – it now takes over three hours, with heavy security escort by the military.
Konduga-Bama-Gwooza road is still extremely dangerous. Commuters have to be escorted by the military and Civilian JTF to pass through the road to their various destinations, usually Bama, Pulka and Gwoza, thethree two major communities, as the road occasionally experience attacks by the terrorists, who easily move from the Sambisa forest.
Moving from Konduga, a village about two kilometers from Maiduguri, towards Gwoza, the famous Sambisa forest lies in the right side and stretch down to Gwoza, meandering towards Mubi in Adamawa state.
A unique feature along the road is destruction of building and infrastructure, especially electricity pole and telecommunication masts. Except from Bama where slight telecom network is available, there is no network of any service provider as you pass Bama towards Pulka to Gwoza.
Boko Haram terrorists infiltratedGwozafrom the Sambisa forest in Augusts 2014 and declared it the headquarters of their caliphate. And in October, 2014 about 3,000 residents displaced by fighting was reported to have become IDPs in other in Nasarawa state and the Federal Capital Territory.
The troops successes
In March 2015, the day before the Nigerian presidential election, the Nigerian Army recaptured the town of Gwoza from Boko Haram, making the beginning of liberation for the residents till date.
Although since when the town was recaptured, the terrorists had made several attacks on Gwoza, which were always repelled by the military.
However, people have returned to the town and businessesare picking up gradually.
Christmas in IDP camp
On Christmas day, people moved around freely as they celebrate. Shops were opened and traders sell their wares to both visitors and residents.
Women and children gathered in front of the 20 Housing estate Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) camp dancing as traditional drummers and singers entertain them. Posters of politicians were pasted on walls and trees, and signposts of different international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) erected in front of the camp.
Inside the IDP camp, the story was different. Some women and children sat in front of their tents while the men gathered in different sides discussing. Inside the camp containers were arranged in front of the only water tank in the camp, as people waited for water supply, which is usuualy brought from outside the camp.
“I want to go back to my village. I pray this suffering ends soon,” one of the IDPs, Toma Musa said. Surviving in this camp is by the grace of God. We don’t have water and food. We thank God we are celebrating Christmas peacefully this year, unlike the previous years when we experience several terrorists attacks.
“Foodremain and clothing is one of the major challenges we face in this camp,” says Ibrahim Ahmadu, who was a barber in the village of Wlabi, some kilometers from Gwoaza, before they were attacked by the terrorists.
“One children and women have no clothes to wear. I know they celebrate Christmas today, with what can we celebrate… empty stomach? Some women go out of the camp to get water; others have to wait till they supply water from outside.
“Food is not sufficient. There is also discrimination in sharing the food donated to us. They favour people from Gwoza over other people. For instance, they give us just three mudus of anything that is brought here, while people from Gwoza or those that know people are given one bag. They only empower their own people. I think this should be look into.”
A time for celebration
It has always been the tradition of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai to visit troops in the frontlines during festivities. During his visits a get together was organised for the troops where he eats with them, and the troops entertain their guests with songs and drama.
Last christmas in Gwoza a party was equally organised for the frontline troops at the Headquarters 26 Task Force Brigade. The event was attended by the representative of the COAS, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Alkali, Chief of Administration at the Army Headquarters. Among otherspersonalities at the event was senator presenting Borno South, Sen. Ali Ndume,and Member Representing Danboa/Gwoza/ Chibo Federal Constituency, VilitaAsebe Bashir.
In his remark at the event, Chief of Army Staff, said Christmas celebration in Gwoza was a testimony of the successes recorded against the terrorists, as well as gallantry, tenacity loyalty of the Armed Forces in the maintaining peace and security across the country.
The army chief commended the “hard work and sacrifices” of officers and soldiers currently engaged in the fight against terrorism in the North east and other operations across the country.
Buratai said while Christmas is an occasion for merriment, relaxation and reflections, “we must, continue to appreciate our collective responsibility towards the maintenance of the security conditions that allow for the proper celebrations of Christmas in every part of our country.”
While urging the troops to maintain the momentum and continue to professionally discharge their constitutional roles, he assured them of the commitment of the army leadership to their welfare and that of their families.
“We must all remain loyal and grateful to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians for their unflinching commitment to bringing peace to every nook and cranny of our nation, and for supporting the Nigerian Army as required,” he said.
