Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has urged the military to further cement relationships with civilians fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast. According to him, this will ensure that the gap between civilian population and the military is being reduced. Zulum made the call Tuesday; during the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah luncheons with wounded soldiers at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. “We’ve started witnessing tremendous achievements in the harmonious relationship between the military and civilians,” he said.
He noted that the relationship is very essential at this trying moment particularly with the increasing presence of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region. He therefore warned that a vacuum should not be created for the insurgents to succeed in their operations. “We shall never relent in our efforts in fighting the insurgents together,” he declared, noting that as security is the business of everyone. He also announced a donation of N10 million to the recuperating gallant soldiers.
He ordered that the donation be immediately handed over to the Theatre Commander, Maj-Gen. Christopher Musa for disbursement. On the current state of operations, he said: “Your stationing in the front lines is not palatable for you to operate.” adding that the state government will ensure an enabling environment for them to effectively execute the counter-insurgency operations. He noted that the cardinal objective of any administration is to ensure stability and peace among its citizens.
