Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, led a military delegation on an assessment visit to Borno State. The delegation paid a courtesy call on Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the Government House.
Accompanied by the State Minister of Defence, Bello Mutawalle, Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and other security chiefs, the high-level delegation was tasked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to evaluate the progress made in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, and to chart the way forward.
“We have had a fruitful and honest discussion with Governor Zulum, and we have discussed extensively on the way forward. I’m hoping that with the strategies to be implemented, the issue of insurgency will soon be history, especially in the North East,” said the minister.
The minister reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to support the military in addressing all forms of insecurity. He also expressed the desire to visit the Shehu of Borno but noted the monarch’s absence from the state.
“We will also visit our troops to see and thank them for their selfless service and to address their immediate needs, as the current military leadership is working in synergy towards the fight against insurgency,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to the delegation for their visit. “Let me thank my elder brother, the former governor of Jigawa and now the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, for leading this high-level delegation. We are indeed pleased to see all of you. This goes to show how committed you are to bringing lasting peace and stability to Borno State. Therefore, on behalf of myself and the people of Borno State, we want to thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Governor Zulum.
Governor Zulum further stated, “The security situation in Borno State has greatly improved, but we must be cautious in reporting security matters. Information dissemination is crucial, as the enemy thrives on inadequate information. I have traversed the state in recent weeks and reports from the traditional rulers and communities indicate that peace is returning to Borno State. I want to specifically thank Mr. President, the Minister of Defence, the State Minister, and all service chiefs for sustaining the peace in Borno State.”
“We urge the Nigerian military to reach the enclaves of the insurgents who are not ready to lay down their arms. Continuing military operations is crucial for flushing out the insurgents. I will always express gratitude to the Nigerian military. The number of repentant Boko Haram members and their families has now reached about 160 thousand, and this could not have been achieved without the support from the military,” Governor Zulum added.
