Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state; has distributed 70 patrol vehicles to the Nigerian Army, Police and Civilian JTF members fight Boko Haram insurgency in the state. The decade long insurgency has claimed many lives and property in Northeast states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. Launching the distribution Friday at the Shehu of Borno’s palace in Maiduguri, the governor said that the vehicles would be deployed for the military and security agencies’ rapid response squads. Last year, Zulum released 160 patrol vehicles between June and September and handed them to security agencies and other volunteers fighting Boko Haram insurgents.
He also directed that a number vehicle be provided to hunters and Civilian JTF to patrol the 87km Maiduguri/Damboa road. The vehicles painted in military colours; were received by the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, while the police and other security agencies collected the remaining patrol vehicles. The Governor therefore; assured citizens of his administration’s commitment to security of lives and property. His words: “I have said a number of times that this administration will not hesitate to take any measure or make any sacrifice in order to ensure peace and security returns to our state. “As the chief security officer of Borno, it is my constitutional and moral responsibility to do whatever I possibly can; to secure the lives of citizens. “And by doing that, is the entire essence of government in the first place.” He also called on traditional and community leaders to mobilize people to be always vigilant with credible information to military and other security agencies. He therefore, warned that under no condition must any citizen harbour insurgents along with those perpetrating criminal activities. “We cannot succeed in winning a lasting peace if we do not give maximum support to our security operatives,” he noted.
According to him, the credible information could include the identities of suspected culprits and their hideouts. He further warned: “On no account should we protect or hide anybody with the evil intention of destroying our state. The consequence of conspiracy is gracious.” Zulum also commended the military, other security agencies and volunteers for their sacrifices in fighting Boko Haram insurgency. Theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, who was represented by his deputy, Maj-Gen. M.G. Ali thanked the governor for being consistent in the support of military with various interventions. The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Kaka Shehu Lawan, said the launch was part of multiple approaches being deployed in trying to contain insurgency that has claimed many lives and property.
