–Launches NEDC security vehicles intervention scheme–
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri-
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has expressed confidence that the Nigerian military is capable of recapturing Marte and liberating surrounding communities in Northern part of the state from the captivity of the dreadful Boko Haram terrorists.
The Governor expressed his confidence on Monday during the launching of North East Development Commission (NEDC) Rapid Response Intervention Security Vehicles Projects held at the Multi Purpose Hall.
This is coming barely 24 hours after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru operational visit to Dikwa town of Dikwa LGA of Borno State which is located at about 42 kilometers from Maiduguri city and 45 kilometres away from Marte Town, the headquarters of Marte LGA which was recently recapture by the terrorists.
Addressing the Nigerian troops at the Dikwa Army Super Camp Headquarters, the Governor said: ‘You are aware of the recent attack on Dikwa and Marte, you should not allow this to happen again, go after them and clear these bastards”.
He added that neighbouring communities of Marte, such as Chikingudu, Wulgo Kirenowa and Kirta must also be cleared within two days, assuring that all their needs would be provided as he was ever ready to support and encourage them while commending their past record of achievements and efforts in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists.
Earlier, The COAS in his address to the military troops said: “I am here to deliver the greetings of Mr. President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buahri. I have spoken with your Commanders, we are going to provide you the equipment and weapons you need to end this war”.
‘We are also going to address the issue of over stay in the theatre. No more issue of over stay”, Attahiru added.
It will be recalled that General Ibrahim arrived on Saturday afternoon for the third time in a month on familiarization and operational visits to Maiduguri, the theater command headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole which is the Military Command and Control Center of the North East after his assumption of office.
However, since the appointment of the new service chiefs by the president late January, 2021, boko Haram Terrorists attacks persistently continued in some quarters of the theater especially, much recently in the northern and central parts of Borno which have informed his visits.
The worst of the attacks was that of Tuesday last week when gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram terrorists overran Marte town and surrounding villages including the military formation stationed in Marte, killing some soldiers while the returnee IDPs resettled by Governor Zulum fled to the nearest town Dikwa, for safety, the 48 Brigade headquarters.
Still, the terrorists after three days of Marte attack further made attempt to invade Dikwa town on Friday but their attack was repelled by the military as they engaged their enemies in a serious exchange of fire.
However, as a result of the re-enforcement from Maiduguri Town led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Nigerian Army,, Major General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim who rushed his teams to Dikwa from Maiduguri to support the troops with the support of the Air Task Force Composite of Operation Lafiya Dole that resulted several Boko Haram members killed and others forced to flee.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply