Christopher Musa, the defense minister has reiterated that measures are in place to address the insecurity bedevilling the country, ordering frontline troops to elîmînate terrörîsts on sight without waiting for further instruction.
Musa and State Minister for Defence Bello Matawalle disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, in Maiduguri yesterday. They assured the traditional ruler that the federal government would not rest until total peace was restored across the country.
The ministers noted that their visit was intended to assess and re-strategise operations against all forms of criminality in the North East. Musa further assured that the deadly explosions that occurred in Maiduguri more than two weeks ago would not be repeated.
The two ministers arrived at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery at about 2.38 pm, accompanied by senior officers from the defence headquarters. They were joined by the Theatre Commander of the North East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abubakar Abdulsalam, and various field commanders to pay tribute to officers and soldiers recently kîllëd in action.
During a prior visit to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, the ministers sympathised with the state government over a recent bomb blast that killed 23 people and injured 108 others. Musa emphasised that the federal government remains committed to ending terrorism in the region.
”Borno remains our home and whatever happens to Borno happens to all of us,” Musa said. He noted that the president is determined to provide the necessary support to the armed forces and other security agencies to achieve total peace.
Umar Kadafur, the Deputy Governor representing Governor Zulum, appreciated the sacrifices of the armed forces in stabilising the state. He called for greater synergy between the ground and air components of Operation Hadin Kai, noting that such a strategy would improve operational success.
Earlier this month, Major General Abubakar Abdulsalam spoke at a burial ceremony for fallen soldiers, describing the occasion as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made in service to the nation. He stated that the soldiers demonstrated unwavering dedication to duty and that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Strengthening firepower in the North East
Meanwhile, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, expressed deep sorrow over the kîllîng of nine civilians by suspected terrorists in Kautikari village on Monday.
The attack targeted a predominantly Christian community, resulting in the death of the Commanding Officer of the local hunters group, Mallam Bumto.
Ndume raised concerns over the “inadequate firepower” available to security forces and stressed the need to strengthen military capabilities.
He reiterated that the provision of technology, equipment, arms, and motivation is essential to ending the insurgency effectively.
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