SADIQ ABUBAKAR reports on the renewed call by Interior minister, Gen Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau for inter-organisational synergy to degrade Boko Haram in the North-east in view of the new strategies of the terror group.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Bello DanBazau said all the para-military organizations in the country under his ministry will synergize to collectively make their contributions by way of supporting the military to completely wipe out terrorism and insurgency in the north east of Nigeria..
He also disclosed that on the request of the Minister of Defence, General Gabriel Olanisakin for all the para-military formations in the country to join hand with the military to provide adequate security and fight the Boko Haram insurgency to an end, he decided to embark in inspection and assessment of the security situation on ground in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe state which are grossly and indirectly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency to examine generally, the situation with a view to coming out with a master plan that will incorporate what and where or how the ministry of interior will support and assist in the fight against the insurgency and even the internally displaced persons IDPs return to their hist communities.
The minister who made this known Wednesday in Maiduguri when he led top service chiefs in his ministry, Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Nigerian Prison Service, NPS, Co,controller General of Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, DIrector General DG, Nigerian Secuirty and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC and Inspector General of Police, IGP Sunday Arase on courtesy visit to Governor Kashmir Shettima of Borno state at the Government House Council Chamber Maiduguri noted that they were in Maiduguri as part of continuation of visits to the affected states by the Boko Haram insurgency to assess security situation and find ways of supporting and assisting the military end the insurgency.
According to him, the visit was also a follow up to enable him interact and discuss with the commandants of the various establishments under his ministry to find ways to solve the security problem in the state and region.
He explained that by so doing, the ministry will be complementing the efforts of the military in that regard while commending the Nigerian military for degrading the efforts of the Boko haram insurgents.
“We will also assist in supporting the state government to cater properly for the IDPs including their return to their host communities. We are aware of the efforts of the state government in this direction of alleviating the sufferings and hardships associated with the displaced persons in various camps across the state and even outside Tue state. We will also assist in this direction”,DanBazau said.
While assuring The Borno State Emergency Management Agencuy Chairman , Engineer Satomi Ahmed of his ministry’s readiness to support and assist the over 5000 children and 2000 women at the Dalori IDPs i camp, the Minister said efforts will be made to liaise with the appropriate quarters to make their contributions too, particularly, on security based on the findings of their inspection tours to the IDPs camp and Maximum Prison Baga road Maiduguri where he inspected facilities, inmates and staff of the prisons with a view to addressing ailing problems.
Earlier, Governor Kashim Shettima thanked the Minister and his entourage for the visit and hoped that the visit of the Minister and Service Chiefs will result in positive achievements.
Commending the NIS, NCS, NSCDC, NPS , the governor said this is the first time a sitting minister of interior is visiting Borno since the crisis started six years ago.
He noted also that the military deserved commendation for their gallantry and sacrifices.
Governor Shettima particularly commended the Immigration Service for properly manning the international borders and consoled the families of those who lose their lives, assuring that his government will do everything possible to complement the efforts of the federal government to end the insurgency by creating job opportunities for the unemployed youths.
Shettima revealed that already Mega Schools are being constructed in some LGCs in an effort to provide not only education to the children but also provide conducive learning environment to both the teachers and pupils.
Governor Shettima maintained that it is right time the northern leaders should begin to think twice by wearing their thinking caps to ensure that security is brought back to the north and lives and property of the citizens are protected rather than giving or creating any hole for violence or crisis,
He pointed out that but this cannot be achieved through proper and adequate educational system put in place for the teeming youths and large size of children school going age..
His Royal Highness, HRH, the Shehu of Borno, Alhahi Abubakar Garbai Ibn Umar El kanemi when the Minister and his team paid him homage commended the federal government, particularly, President Muhammadu Buhari for His support and assistance to the people of Borno since his assumption of office last six months.
He also thanked the Minister and his heads of service under his ministry for their visit which he said is an indication if the respect they have for the traditional rulers and recognition accorded the royal fathers by the personalities.
The royal father however urged the Minister to engage the sons and daughters of Borno state into the police, civil defence, immigration, customs, prisons and others, especially the members of the vigilante group, civilian JTF who sacrificed their lives and time for the safety of the people.
He also appreciated the appointment of the sons and daughters of Borno state by the president and prayed for peace to return to the state and region soon permanently.
The minister in his response, assured the Shehu of Borno that whenever recruitment are being made, Borno state indulgences will be given priority and special consideration as plans are underway for the recruitment additional personnel to meet up with the standard and effective service delivery at all the books and crannies of the country and properly checks the borders.
