UN report raises doubt on Nigerian govt claims, says Boko Haram still controls parts of Borno

The United Nations has appeared to contradict the stance of the Nigerian government that Boko Haram no longer controlled any territory in Nigeria’s North-East, claiming that at least three local government areas in Nigeria were still almost inaccessible due to the presence of the dreaded sect.

The UN said despite efforts by the military, some locations in Borno state, including three local government areas, remained inaccessible to aid workers as a result of the threat posed by Boko Haram.

The report which was issued by the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA), said Boko Haram hostilities that slowed down due to the rainy season might increase in the coming months.

“Insecurity, presence of mines, improvised explosive devices, and unexploded ordinances had continued to slow down the response of humanitarian agencies in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states”, said OCHA’s monthly report for September 2017, titled, ‘North-East Nigeria: Humanitarian Situation Update’.

“Most roads to the south, south-west and east remain unusable due to security concerns and most humanitarian personnel movement is done through air assets. Cargo, however, is being transported via road with armed escorts as a last resort.

“No humanitarian aid is currently reaching locations in these LGAs outside of the LGAs’ main towns called ‘headquarters’. Major humanitarian supply routes towards the west, north-west and north are open for humanitarians without the use of armed escorts. Following advocacy efforts, Konduga and Mafa are now also accessible to aid groups without military escorts”, the reported added

The UN also said it was battling with limited funds due to the failure of donors worldwide to fully meet their financial commitment towards the Boko Haram-ravaged North-East.

Reacting, the director of Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, told journalists that the Nigerian Army would not comment on the report until it had studied its details.

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