Zulum distributes 10 patrol vehicles, logistics to boost military operations in Lake Chad region
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has approved the deployment of 10 patrol vehicles and other critical logistics to boost military and civilian JTF operations in the Kala/Balge local council of the state.
Observing Monday’s prayers and fasting at Rann, the council headquarters, Zulum coordinated the distribution of patrol vehicles to troops and other security agencies, including the vigilantes in the border areas with Cameroon.
In a statement yesterday in Maiduguri, the special adviser to the governor on media, Dauda Iliya, revealed, “The border community with Cameroon has faced incessant security threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists,” lamenting that the insurgency has prevented the people from farming and fishing in Lake Chad for over a decade.
Besides the distribution of patrol vehicles, Iliya states, “The over a decade of terrorism has denied the people from working on their farms and the herding of cattle, sheep, and goats since July 2009.
He, therefore, urged the people to observe the one-day voluntary prayers and fasting in overcoming the security challenges in the state and Northeast.
“The people in the border communities with Cameroon and Niger are to unite in a collective act of solidarity and faith for peace to reign in the northern part of the state, comprising Mobbar, Guzamala, Kukawa, and Monguno local councils,” said Zulum. Nigeria, and indeed the entire country.”
The governor expressed appreciation to the people within and outside the state for heeding his call to observe fasting and prayers for the restoration of peace, despite the 16-year insurgency that claimed many lives and property.
“We’re seeking divine intervention for the security challenges we are facing since 2009,” he said, adding that he thanked everyone for the solidarity in prayers and fasting for peace to reign not only in the state but also in five other states in the region.
In a breakdown of the distribution of vehicles, he directed that six be allocated to the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes, while four gun trucks are being allocated to the military operating in the Lake Chad region, including the border areas with Niger, Cameroon and Chad.
The governor concluded the visit by distributing food items to over 10,000 families, comprising women and their children and vulnerable groups that had lived in IDP camps.
Zulum distributes
