The Nigerian Army on Wednesday stated that Boko Haram terrorists have resorted to poisoning water sources in Borno villages; like wells and streams in areas they were dislodged by gallant troops or areas threatened by offensive operations.


 But even though no human life was lost, citizens have been called upon to remain vigilant by avoiding the intake of water from unverified sources especially in locations that troops routed out Boko Haram terrorists.

In a statement, Colonel Tukur Gusau, Deputy Director Army Public Relations, said the most recent occurrence was the poisoning of the cattle water ponds in Kangallam village along Marte and Abadam axis in Borno State, where a large number of cattle died after drinking water from the ponds. He also explained that this latest move by the Boko Haram sect was aimed at taking revenge on innocent citizens and livestock following combined efforts from the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force to end their reign of terror in the North East.
The insurgency has continued to step up its campaign of suicide bombing. At other times, the militants storm villages on motorcycles and pick-up vans shooting indiscriminately at villagers and burning down homes. Since major operations about 6 years ago, public life in the north changed drastically. There have been fewer social gatherings and activities in churches, mosques and schools as citizens in the North live in a constant state of fear. Children and education in the country also feel the impact. Last year’s Chibok abduction scandal has resulted in many children afraid to attend school. In short, Northerners live through the reality that the quotidian is always at risk.
The recent arrests of twenty suspected Boko Haram members by the Department of Security Services (DSS) in Lagos and other states suggest the group’s intention to spread its nefarious activities around the country. The suspects, who were arrested between July 8 and August 25, 2015 at various points in Plateau, Gombe, Ogun, Lagos, and Enugu states, were said to be notable commanders and frontline members of the notorious group from different parts of the country.
 The DSS claimed that the suspects took responsibility for various attacks in the past. Residents of these states are terrified as the relative safety they have enjoyed in the past is being threatened.
Last month, Buhari challenged the Armed Forces to wipe out Boko Haram by November. But even with a $2.1 billion loan, the fight to rid Nigeria of terrorism has to consider the complexity of rebuilding- not just the economy- but a sense of security.