The Borno State Government is to partner the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to end Boko Haram insurgency and other crimes. The over a decade long insurgency, has also claimed 36,000 lives with property worth $9.2 billion (about N3.42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. While unfolding the partnership yesterday at a ground breaking foundation laying ceremony for NSCDC State Command in Maiduguri, Governor Babagana Zulum disclosed that; “The NSCDC has over the last decade, effectively keyed into our timeless efforts in fighting insurgency and other forms of criminality.” He said this is commendable, adding that all hands must be on deck to sustain the partnership to end insurgency and other criminalities. He noted that the relative peace being enjoyed today was as a result of the efforts of civil defense in fighting insurgency. He also commended NSCDC for establishing civil authorities in the 22 liberated Local Government Areas. While ensuring NSCDC’s Commandant-General, Abdullahi Muhammadu, he said: “We’re ever ready to work with your corps to strengthen and empower the State Command for better service delivery.” He therefore called on the Federal Government to provide the corps with modern communication devices, arms and logistics for effective combat of other critical stakeholders in community policing, particularly at this period of returning displaced persons to communities. The Governor believes that they will actualize sustainable peaceful coexistence, after the over a decade long insurgency. While thanking Zulum for the land build new structure, Muhammadu said: “I’m honoured to be part of this laudable NSCDC office project. “This will go a long way in alleviating the accommodation problems; especially office space for the officers and men of the corps.” He said that it’s a morale booster for the corps to have its permanent structure and this is the second in the Northeast; after Gombe. He added that NSCDC was the first to launch Agro Ranchers with support of the State Government to protect farmers and other agro-allied investments in the country. According to him, the Borno state command unit of Agro Rangers remains one of the most equipped and motivated units in the federation. While commending Zulum on fight against insurgents, he said: “This goes a long way to show the high premium you place on food security “You also ensured that the citizens are gainfully employed to become self-reliant. “Your zeal, desire and commitment to bring an end to the security challenges in the state; occasioned by activities of terrorists; and to return IDPs to communities; have received global commendations.” He said the NSCDC during Zulum’s administration, has received several operational vehicles and other logistics to facilitate corps’ duties. This was why; she said the corps is committed to the restoration of peace and security in the Northeast. “We’ll not leave any stone unturned in our quest to achieve that,” he said, assuring that with the support of the Minister of Interior, has placed a premium on the welfare of corps members to enable them perform optimally. According to him, all deserving personnel are promoted as at when due.
