Zulum urges Tinubu to sustain military operations in Borno

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has urged President Bola Tinubu to provide the necessary support for sustained military operations against Boko Haram insurgents in the state.

Zulum made the appeal on Saturday when he received the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the Government House in Maiduguri. He called for the immediate commencement of Operation Lake Sanity to tackle insurgent activities around the Lake Chad Basin and the Timbuktu area.

The governor also called for an increased military presence in strategic locations, including Kareto, Sabon Gari and Wajirogo, saying the establishment of military formations in the areas would help improve security and stability.

He further called for the clearance of Baga Water, while urging the military leadership to work towards reopening the Biu–Damboa–Maiduguri road, which he said had been closed.

Zulum said improved security in the affected areas was necessary to restore normal social and economic activities and enable residents to go about their daily lives without fear.

The governor commended Shaibu for the security gains recorded under his leadership, noting that the army chief had previously served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East.

He also praised the military for helping to resettle communities displaced by Boko Haram insurgents, particularly Mairari, Koshebe and Maiwa.

Zulum commiserated with the COAS over the killing of soldiers by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno and offered prayers for personnel who died in the fight against the insurgents.

Earlier, Shaibu thanked the Borno State Government for its continued support for the Nigerian Army, particularly its infrastructure development efforts, which he said had continued to transform the state.

The army chief said his visit to the North-East theatre of operations was part of his routine assessment of troop activities and an opportunity to engage commanders on challenges affecting their operations.

He commended the resilience of troops tackling the insurgency in the region, urging them to sustain their efforts to restore peace and enable residents to resume normal social and economic activities.

Shaibu said he had discussed the challenges confronting troops with commanders and expressed confidence that the issues raised would receive attention to enable personnel to carry out their duties effectively.

He assured Zulum that troops would continue to do their best to improve security in Borno, while thanking the governor for his continued cooperation and support for military operations.