Boko Haram: Military recorded highest casualty figure in 2015, 2016 – Minister

THE military recorded worst casualty figure in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East and militancy in the Niger Delta in the last two years, it was disclosed on Tuesday.

Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, who disclosed attributed it to heightened activities of insurgents and militancy within the period.

He said the development led to growth in the life insurance claims paid to the deceased military personnel through their families.

Ali who presented cheques of insurance benefits to families of soldiers that died while fighting Boko Haram terrorists in the North East.

He said, “The life insurance claims paid over-the-counter years have grown tremendously as a result of heightened activities of the insurgents in the North East and continued militancy in the Niger Delta especially during the 2015 to 2016 scheme period.

“However, it is gratifying to state that with improved security and overwhelming success in the fight against insurgency, we are hopeful we will record fewer casualties in the years to come, “he said.

The minister said the federal administration, through his ministry would ensure that adequate care was given to families of military personnel that die while in the service of the nation.

According to him, officers and men of the Nigerian Military remained steadfast in the execution of their duties spread across the various flashpoints across the nation fighting insurgency, militancy, communal clashes and cattle rustling among others all in a bid to ensure the country’s collective security.

He said, “Unfortunately, as with all conflicts, lives have been lost and family units disrupted as their breadwinners pay the ultimate sacrifices in the discharge of their duties.”