Following the appointment of new security chiefs (See Nigeria Politics & Security – 13.07.15), there are indications that the military will reposition its operations to increase the effectiveness of its anti-terrorism and Boko Haram campaign in the North East.

The new Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai — speaking on 18 July about his plans while spending time with troops in the frontline Yobe State — said  that

troops have been poor in their response to distress calls and that he will ensure that this situation changes.

He is also reported to be considering the redeployment of commanding officers. He assured troops in Borno on 19 July that he is going to ensure that Boko Haram “begs for peace”. He also changed the name of the operational code of the army’s fight against terrorism from “Operation Zaman Lafiya” to “Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole” which, in Hausa, means ‘the quest for peace becomes a must’.

It has also emerged that about 25 top military officers have been given six weeks to leave the military following the appointment of the new service chiefs. The army’s tradition has been that serving officers above the rank of the new service chiefs are often retired with the appointment of the latter to ensure that they are usually the highest ranked in the Nigerian military during their period of service.

But, in an apparent indication that the new service chiefs have a tough job ahead, bombs exploded while Buratai was in Yobe State on 17 July. About 50 locals died in the suicide bombing which occurred despite the significant increase in security ahead of his visit. The blast also occurred just a day after a twin suicide bomb blast hit a crowded market in neighbouring Gombe State, killing another 50 people.

Other Boko Haram attacks in different parts of the North East killed more than 200 people during the week. This has put to the test the strategy of the new Buhari administration to resolve the Boko Haram crisis. But, while visiting Gombe on 17 July to commiserate with victims of the bomb blast, Vice President Professor Yemi Osi-banjo assured locals that the Buhari government will stamp out the terrorist activities.