By Sadiq Abubakar
Maiduguri
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has debunked the weekend claims by Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, representing Borno Central Senatorial District that Boko Haram is controlling 85 per cent of the state territory.
The governor insisted that Borno “is better than what it was six months ago, and described the comment as emotional out boost or misquotation.
Shettima, who stated this while speaking with journalists yesterday shortly after returning to Maiduguri from an official visit to Saudi Arabia said: “The claim by the senator representing Borno Central in the Senate, Baba Kaka Garbai, last weekend that the military has not degraded Boko Haram, was emotional outburst.
“It is either the senator was emotional or misquoted. The military has recorded tremendous successes in the fight against Boko Haram in the last six months. You know that Ngala, Dikwa and some areas were recently liberated and as the Chief Security Officer of the state, I can confidently say Boko Haram has been decimated, demolarised and degraded. Borno is better off than it was six months ago”.
Kashim said the military might have some challenges in the counter-insurgency operation, but maintained that the problem were surmountable, but “I believe the war is gradually over.
The governor further explained that the military and President Mohammadu Buhari deserve “special commendation” of Borno people for their level of commitment to end the Boko haram insurgency.
He said the service chiefs had also visited the theatre of operation severally since their appointments to boost the morale of troops, urging the people to support the military and Federal Government efforts in the fight against the insurgency.