Ganduje advocates technology, innovations in tackling terrorism, banditry in North
By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu
The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Ganduje, has advocated the adoption of technology and other innovations in tackling terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry in the North.
According to him, terrorism in the North, comprising 19 states, has claimed many lives and property in the last two years.
The adoption of technology was made on Thursday, in Damaturu, when the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC expressed solidarity with Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State over the last Saturday’s Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) attack on a military base at Buni/Gari.
He stated that the resurgence of terrorism and banditry in the Northwest and Northeast regions underscores a national humanitarian crisis that requires collective action by deploying technology and other innovations in the ongoing counterterrorism operations in the North.
Speaking on the resurgence of terrorism and banditry, Ganduje said, “The attack on the Buni/Gari community and a military base is undoubtedly a national issue that affected all citizens of the country.
“We sympathise with you, Excellency, because it demands much of your attention. But it has now diverted your focus from other critical aspects of developing the state for the people.”
The Chairman noted that security remains the topmost priority of government, particularly as civilians and military personnel continue to suffer from terrorism and other criminal activities in the North.
Highlighting the significance of security, he said, “Your people must be safe first while the communities are secured, and being their leader, you must also be protected against the terrorists and bandits.”
While acknowledging the efforts of the federal government, military, security agencies, and community leaders, Ganduje insisted that the military must re-strategise by adopting technology in the counterterrorism operations in the North.
He added that the adoption of technology and innovations will enhance the military’s and other security agencies’ surveillance along with intelligence gathering for quick responses.
He also urged the federal government to reclaim all the forests in the 19 states of the country.
According to him, the over four dozen forests in the North have become the permanent hideouts of terrorists and bandits to continue launching their attacks on communities.
Citing Yobe State, the APC Chairman said, “The state, which has a vast, difficult terrain comprising about 15 forests, requires urgent intervention to prevent the terrorists and bandits from converting the forests into their strongholds to attack the adjoining communities.”
Buni thanked the APC delegation for their solidarity visit over the recent attack on Buni/Gari, his country home.
He assured them that his administration is collaborating with the federal government, military, and security agencies to restore peace not only in the state but the entire Northeast region.
Buni also advocated for tech-driven measures to protect people’s lives and property in the state.
