Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; has commended troops of the 151 Battalion of Nigerian Army for protecting border communities with Cameroon. According to him, the secured communities include Daramajal, Mainti and the Firgi Junction, leading to Banki and Gwoza towns. Zulum made the commendations on Tuesday, while addressing over 700 troops at the Firgi Junction along Bama/Gwoza road. Bama and the border communities were liberated by the military in 2015, before over 5, 500 Internally Displaced Persons were returned in 2018. “We’re here today to express our sincere appreciation to men and officers of the 151 Battalion for the great job you are doing,” he said, noting that the troops have never been defeated by Boko Haram. He said the troops are doing a great job. “And knowing very well,” he added, the troops are not even inside the secured Bama town. On challenges of border communities, he said: “Some of you are in the Firgi Junction, while others are in Mainti and Daramajal. He said the situation is not easy, as sometimes even when they wanted to buy something, they could not have access to purchase basic needs of life. According to him, despite the difficulties that the troops are in, they still perform wonderfully. He therefore said; “Since you’re working well, it is our responsibility to come and say a bit thank you to all of you.” Continued, he added: “While we’re experiencing some problems in other locations in other locations, including the protection of roads along the bushes. “But you still maintain a reasonable degree of stability and protection against Boko Haram insurgents.” He therefore said that may God help in protecting the troops in border community front lines. Speaking of Christmas and the New Year, he said: “We also came with a widow’s mite for you to enjoy your Christmas.” He said henceforth, the state government will not leave them with commendations alone, but many food items will be delivered for distribution. He said this is to enable the troops to enjoy and celebrate Christmas and the New Year in Borno. While returning to Maiduguri, Zulum also inspected the destroyed Ngurosoye village, 15 kilometres from Bama that was liberated by the military in 2016. Ngurosoye, with a population of over 400, is to be rebuilt, as the Governor directed the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (MRRR) to commence construction of 200 houses in 2021, since a million bricks are on site. He added that aesthetics are also to be created to attract productive IDP returnees restore their livelihoods.
