By Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has said that it is the
Security Council that will determine and announce the date for return
of 1.8 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their
communities.
The 1.8 million displaced persons are currently taking refuge in
various camps and host communities of Borno state.
Shettima disclosed this on Thursday in Maiduguri, after the Theatre
Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen Rogers Nicholas briefed
journalists on the ongoing military operations in Sambisa Forest and
Lake Chad region.
He said that the return of displaced persons in the state could only
be determined and announced after a robust Security Council meeting at
the Government House.
The Governor, who was represented by the Attorney-General and
Commissioner of Justice, Kaka Shehu Lawan said: “There has to be an
enlarged Security Council meeting. All stakeholders from the military,
para-military, traditional rulers and major government outfits will
meet and take a decisive date for the return of IDPs to their
communities.
“The date of return; can only be unveiled by the State Government
after having a robust Security Council meeting at the Government
House.”
He applauded the military for its performances in the ongoing
counter-insurgency operations in the state and the North-East.
His words: “The military and its troops did fantastically well in the
last couple of months.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor, has categorically stated that
the military has done well. This would be evidenced by the practical
we are seeing from the hinterlands; where these operations are
ongoing.
“As evidenced by the briefings of the Theatre Commander; we have seen
practical and documentary evidences from the front lines of Sambisa
Forest and fringes of northern Borno; where fierce battles are taking
place.
“I have to rate the military very high for doing what is expected of
them and based on the adherence of rules of engagement. This was
required by the code of conduct of military operations.”
