IG of Police reacts as ISWAP launches rockets before Buhari’s visit to Maiduguri

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has expressed concern over the ability of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch rockets into communities in Borno State.

ISWAP fired multiple rocket attacks in Maiduguri, the State capital, a few hours before President Muhammadu Buhari visited.

The explosives landed in different areas including Ngomari, Bulumkutu, Ajilari, and Ayafe communities, destroying many houses.

Baba, speaking to reporters after an emergency security council meeting presided over by Buhari on Friday, insisted the insurgents were unable to achieve their objectives.

“They are launching it in major towns, they are launching it in Maiduguri. It is a concern. And it has been seriously checkmated. There are efforts to continuously checkmate it.

“Yes, they have done it, but to a large extent they have not achieved what they intended to achieve because of the situation the security agencies, particularly the military, put in place,” Baba said.

When asked if the security agencies have been able to determine the origins of the rockets, Baba said: “Yes, it had been done before and even after. Some of those who must have planned and thrown those rockets have been taken out.”

The police boss assured that the security agencies are trying to improve on what they are already doing “to ensure there is peace, law and order during the yuletide period and beyond”.