The Governor of Borno state, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has said the state government was ready to spend its last kobo to ensure that total security return to the state.

He said this Monday when he played host to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai at Government House Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

He said the state government was also ready to provide necessary support for the military to strengthen the capacity of the Civilian Joint Task Force (Civilian JTF) and local vigilante to enable them complement the efforts of the military in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the state.

While commending the military for the successes recorded so far against the Boko Haram terrorists, the governor appealed for the military to redouble their efforts in spite of the numerous challenges faced, to ensure total eradication of terrorism in the state.

Zulum also appealed the military to provide adequate security on major road to enable farmers return to farm as the rainy season begin.

“The major problems we are having now are food security, youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, drug abuse, illiteracy, climate change among others,” he said.

“Over 80 percent of our population is unemployed. The situation is catastrophic from Monguno, Ngala, Damboa and almost all part of the state. And unless we address the root causes of these problems I don’t think we can make any meaningful progress.

“The mainstay of the economy of Borno state is agriculture. Over 90 percent of our people don’t have access to farm lands. There is existing donor fatigue now by the international community in providing food to the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“One area the people and government of this state wish to collaborate with the military and the Police is to ensure that people of the state have access to their farm lands. 

The governor also appealed to the military to review its ban of cattle business in order to allow people who legitimately engage in the business continue with their means of livelihood.

He also urged the military to increase troops presence in Kareto and adjoining villages.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, said with the momentum of the governor since he assumed office, there would be improvement in security situation in the state.

He appreciated the efforts of the previous administration in the state in helping the military to ensure security in the state through logistics support and other materials.

The army chief said with the change of strategy being adopted by the military, terrorism would soon be a thing of the past in the state and the country at large.

He said the army would train the Civilian JTF on areas of discipline, using and sharing information in the terrain, and other vital areas.