Sambisa tour: We’ve learnt some lessons, but our demand remains – #BringBackOurGirls

the prosecution of all who have mismanaged military hardware funds.

“Imagine what would have happened if the whole money had been spent on buying the equipment. We are more empowered to demand sanctions.”

Mrs Ezekwezili praised the NAF on its innovative use of technology, saying it makes the efforts to be precise.

She also called for improved transparency in the conduct of the war on insurgency, saying for as long as the war was prosecuted as a propaganda mission, there will be criticism and cynicism.

She praised the “strong commitment” of the troops, saying the group had always been supportive of their efforts.

“As citizen-activists, we shall remain the voice. We will hold the government accountable to its promise to rescue the Chibok girls and others,” she said.

The BBOG leader also sought clarification on the capture of Camp Zairo. She said a proper understanding of Sambisa – the forest that was Boko haram’s stronghold – was necessary for Nigerians to put the capture of the Camp in perspectives. Mohammed described the capture of Camp Zairo as a strike at the heart of the insurgents.

“When you strike Camp Zairo, you completely disorient the insurgents, but it does not mean the end of the campaign.”.

On his part, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Lai Mohammed said the Federal Government is still negotiating with Boko Haram for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls and other abductees.

“Negotiations for the release of the girls have never stopped. In a situation like this, we use carrot and stick approach.

“Even the success of the military also helped fast track the process of the negotiation for those who were released.

“The negotiation is complicated, delicate and changes from time to time, but we are still talking and we are near breakthrough,” he said.

The trip to Sambisa was organised for the leaders of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group to acquaint them with efforts by the military to find the Chibok girls and end the war on insurgency.

“This government has nothing to hide; that is why we have brought you here so you can have a first-hand experience. We want to let the world know what we have been doing not only to recover the girls but also to end the insurgency,” Mohammed said.