A new division of the Nigerian Army will on Monday August 19 take over control of the federal government’s drive against militant group, Boko Haram, in the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, the defense headquarters said on Sunday.

The new division, codenamed BOYONA, and to be headed by a Major General, will, beginning Monday, be based in Borno, and will take over the duties of the military’s Joint Task Force.

A statement by the Director of Information, Chris Olukolade, said BOYONA, is an acronym representing the troubled three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

The Division will take off as an effort meant to constitute the first phase of the counter-terrorists operation, as the new division will continue with counter insurgency operation immediately.

The development is coming three months into the federal government’s military operation to stamp out terrorism in the north east, where Boko Haram and splinter groups have continued to stage deadly attacks.

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