Borno state Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has charged the newly appointed service chiefs to ensure effective collaboration with Nigeria’s neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.
The governor also told them to be tolerant and open to criticism in the discharge of their duties.
Governor Zulum spoke Sunday at the Government House Maiduguri while addressing the military top brass who were on their first official visit to the state, which has remained the epicentre of the insurgency fight.
The service chiefs were recently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari following the resignation of their predecessors in office.
Chief of Defence Staff Major-General Leo Irabor led the chiefs of Army Staff, Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao during the visit.
Addressing the service chiefs, Governor Zulum called for aggressive collaboration with armed forces in the neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.
The governor also made a case for enhanced ties between the military and civilian population to bridge trust deficit, and increase military’s access to credible intelligence gathering, which, according to him, was key to success in the insurgency fight.
He assured the military helmsmen of his administration’s support to the armed forces in the ongoing war against terrorism, just as the governor urged them to be tolerant and open to constructive criticisms.
Zulum said: “In democratic settings, the military is an establishment which is subject to constructive criticisms by well-meaning citizens. Therefore, you are expected to accept such criticisms in good faith with a view to enhancing the productivity in your operations.”
He further said for the nation’s military to achieve the desired success in the ongoing terrorism war, there should be synergy among different security operatives, particularly between the Nigerian Army and Air Force.
Governor Zulum charged them to further take the battle to the insurgents by blocking all routes used by the hoodlums to move from one region to the other and perpetrate their deadly acts.
Earlier, leader of the team and Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Irabor, assured of the military’s readiness to dismantle insurgency, even as he called for the understanding of the civilian population in the fight against terrorism.
Insurgents kill 2 cops in Borno
Meanwhile, suspected members of the Boko Haram insurgents have attacked and killed at least three persons at the checkpoint along Maiduguri / Gubio highway Sunday afternoon, Blueprint has learnt.
The insurgents, it was further gathered, hit the checkpoint between Chabol and Magumeri at about 12:30 noon, killing two policemen and one member of Civilian Joint Task Force.
The attackers, sources further revealed, burnt one utility vehicle and made away with another after displacing the security personnel stationed at the joint checkpoint.
“The incident occurred at outskirts of Magumeri and Chabol, we have reported that two police officers and a member of CJTF have lost their lives in the ambushed,” security source said.
Confirming the development, a top CJTF source said the insurgents stationed three gun trucks and then fired at the military base located in that area.
“Yes, we had a deadly attack today (Sunday) and we lost three persons, including one of our member and policemen. They (insurgents) attacked a joint checkpoint, burnt a vehicle and made away with another.
“I must also add that they carted away some ammunition. That is the situation. But we will not relent in getting the insurgents out,” said the source.
Taraba gov laments
In a related development, Taraba state Governor Darius Ishaku has lamented that the state has lost prominent personalities to kidnapping and banditry.
Ishaku stated this in Jalingo in an interview with journalists when he paid a condolence visit to the families of the late Chairman of Ardo- Kola local council, Salihu Dovo, who was kidnapped and killed last week at Sabon Gari.
He expressed sadness that even the former member, representing Takum 1 at the Taraba state House of Assembly, late Hosea Ibi few years ago was kidnapped and killed.
While claiming the nation’s police had failed in their constitutional responsibilities, the governor urged the federal government to step up efforts at eradicating the security challenge in the country by encouraging local security to displace bandits from their handing places.
He said the National Assembly must, as a matter of urgency, amend the constitution of Nigeria that would recognise the establishment of state and local government police.
“In this state, I lost too many souls that I cannot afford to count at the moment,” he said.
Zamfara
And from Zamfara state, it was reported that a group of suspected bandits besieged Gidan Goga town in Maradun local government area of the state, leaving behind three people dead and 11 others kidnapped during the fresh attack.
A resident of the area identified as Malam Musa Lawali Gidan Goga, told Blueprint via telephone interview Sunday that, the bandits invaded the town around 11:30 pm Saturday on motorcycles and opened fire on the communities.
He said: “Those who have been killed by the bandits among our people include, Malam Aminu Maishinkafa, Malam Mustapha Saidu Dambu and Sarkin Karma popularly known as Namijin Zaki during the attack.”
In the ensuing confusion, the bandits went straight to the house of Alhaji Yusuf Gidan Goga and kidnapped him along with his two sons and their wives, all said to have just married few days ago.
He also appealed to both the federal and state governments to deploy more security personnel in the area to restore peace.
When contacted, police public relations officer in the state, SP. Muhammad Shehu confirmed the attack, adding that the command had already deployed its anti-terrorism squadron personnel to the area for the rescue of the kidnapped victims.
Shehu called on the communities to report any unusual movements by some bad eggs around them to the nearest police stations or outposts for urgent action.
Kidnappers release 5 in Niger
Meanwhile, five persons kidnapped in Avu of Gupa-Abugi community in Lapai local government area of Niger state were released by their abductors after payment of N1.7m ransom.
They were kidnapped Thursday in Avu in Gupa- Abugi ward of the local government area, during which one person was killed.
The victims reportedly regained their freedom Sunday by 1.00 am.
One of the freed victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity on his ordeal, explained that they were accompanied by the kidnappers to the backyard of their village before setting them free.
“We were taken across River Gurara into Kogi state before they negotiated with our families,” the released victim recalled.
In a rare show of magnanimity, the source said the criminals gave their N10, 000 from the ransom to buy foot wears.
He said they were kept in a cave while in the abductors’ den after walking for hours throughout that night.
He gave thanks to God for saving his life from the kidnappers, expressing appreciation to family and well-wishes for their prayers.
