Let’s bring Boko haram to an end, Defence Minister beckons Borno elders

Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), has appealed to members of the Borno State Elder Forum to continue to cooperate with the federal government and the military in order to bring an end to Boko Haram terrorism in the state and the entire North East.

The Minister made the appeal Saturday night when he had a dinner with members of the Forum at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri.

He said the military is willing, capable and competent to win the fight against terrorism and other crime in the country, but need the support and cooperation of the citizenry to achieve its mandate.

I will vow for my officers and soldiers that they are capable and competent to end the insurgency,” the Minister said.

“We will take the battle to the terrorists and will not allow them to attack isolated communities anymore.

 “When I assumed duty, Mr. President gave me a matching order to bring an end to the terrorism in the North east. The president has also promised to provide all the needed assistance for us to succeed. Mr. President said I should tell members of the military that he is going to take issue of their welfare more seriously than ever before. For our troops that paid the supreme price we will continue to take care of their families.”

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the dinner with the Borno elders was significant as they hold the key to unlocking solutions to the issue terrorism in the state.

“When I resumed office as the Chief of Army Staff, I held consultation with the Borno elders and the advises they gave me contributed to the successes recorded so far against terrorism,” he said.

In their separate remarks, Chairman of Borno Elder Forum, Alhaji Asheik Zarma, and Seceratry General, Dr. Bulama Gubio, said they realized that military actions alone would not bring an end to terrorism, hence  the Forum  was ready to support the Federal Government and the military to bring an end to terrorism in the entire North East more.

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