The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 7 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Ibrahim Khalifa Abdul has said that Maiduguri is much more secure than before. Abdul made the declaration on Tuesday at a grand reception and sent forth deployment and promotion to Major General at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. He said the general areas of responsibility of 7 Division are much more secure and stable to restore peace in the northeast. According to him, thousands of civilians have returned to Ajiri, Kauwuri, Auno, Ngoshe communities, and Banki border town with 9,800 refugees from Cameroon. His words: “It has been challenging and tough, but we have also had some very good moments of fighting Boko Haram insurgency. “Even though recently we had some upheavals here and there, we never gave up and shall never give up in fighting the terrorists.” He added that the troops have their contingency plans for any eventuality in the theatre of war.
He said that operations are being conducted in all areas of responsibility, including Sector 1 of Operation Lafiya Dole. He noted that soldiers and officers played roles in promoting him to the next rank of Major General. “A lot of operational progress had been made since he was promoted in November last year,” he said, noting that coronavirus (COVID-19) and operational engagements delayed to thank God, until now. He therefore assured the 7 Division that it will continue to work hard, so as to restore and normalcy in the northeast. The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Farouk Yahaya also described the outgoing GOC, as committed and resilient in fighting insurgency to secure people’s lives and property. He urged Abul to share the experiences he had with the incoming GOC that could resume next week. Governor Babagana Zulum, who was represented by his Deputy, Usman Kadafur said that Abdul had a good relationship with the state government and people of Borno.
