FOLLOWING the posting of rockets manufacturing and bomb making factories by the Boko Haram terrorists’ group in the internet and foreign news organizations which has sent shivers down the spine of many Nigerians, security agencies told Vanguard under condition of anonymity that the allegations and pictures were make belief.
A military in the entourage of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, said the pictures were arranged insertions posted with a view to cause panic among soldiers and Nigerians purporting that the December deadline to end Boko Haram terrorism is not achievable.
“The truth is that Boko Haram have been seriously dealt with and decimated. They are running helter skelter. They are now powerless. Our troops are really empowered with enough arms and ammunition. No more running away and because of this, Boko Haram is looking for any means to remain relevant”.
When Vanguard called Defence Spokesman, Colonel Rabe Abubakar and Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman to respond to the development, they both declined to pick their phones. The BBC had received pictures of what looks like a rocket-making factory belonging to Boko Haram. The pictures – sent to the Whatsapp account of the BBC Hausa Service – show a number of newly made rockets in what is believed to be a laboratory at a college in Borno State.
An inscription on one of machineries shows the abbreviation of the Government Technical College in Bama, a town previously held by the militants before they were dislodged by the army.
It was not, however, clear when the pictures were taken.
The question of where Boko Haram gets much of its weapons has been a subject of intense debate.
The group has been known to use rocket propel grenades in the past.
