We Have an Improved Synergy to End Boko Haram, Says Defence Minister

 

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magash (rtd), on Monday said the Nigeria Government is optimistic that the ongoing war against Boko Haram terrorists will soon end as an improved synergy has be put in place with the multinational forces.

The minister, who was in Borno State in company of the Chiefs of Army and Air Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique respectively, said the war has gone on for so long.

Magash, who also paid a courtesy visit on the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara, while describing the governor as a blessing to not only his state but the country at a time like this, said: "I am happy to also inform you that we have improved our synergy with the multinational forces from Chad.

According to him, “The federal government is doing its best in funding operations, and I can assure you that we are determined to see that soon, and by God’s grace, this Boko Haram crisis will come to an end. It has been on for more than 10 years now; everyone wants an end to it."

Magashi, who dressed in military camouflage, said: "We are taking the insurgents head-on."

 

He said the entire military and security apparatus of Nigeria are lucky to have Umara as a governor of the North-east state at a time like this.

The minister, while describing Umara as highly resourceful, competent and determined, said it was a plus that Borno State, faced with the ongoing challenges, has such resourceful person as governor.

He declared that: "We are very happy that you (Umara) who is very versatile and dedicated in our operational activities of fighting the Boko Haram insurgents, happens to be the governor of Borno State at this point in time.

“You have been according so much support to our military on ground in this battle, and we are here to thank you, and to redesign the battle.

In his response Borno State Governor, Umara, said he can attest to the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari administration has achieve milestones in the ongoing war against Boko Haram.

He said notwithstanding the challenges still being faced in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists, the president has significantly changed Borno State security situation from what it used to be before he was elected in 2015.

The governor said: "We have challenges, there is no doubt about this, but as the governor of Borno State and someone who was the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement that was going round the state for four years, I can say without any fear of contradiction that President Buhari has shown unquantifiable and genuine commitment to helping the state get out of the Boko Haram era.

Umara said: "I also know the huge difference these commitments of the president have made in changing our situation from what it used to be to the current situation. We all knew how impossible it was to move few kilometres out of Maiduguri, but these days, we are able to travel to former Boko Haram strongholds like Marte, Damasak and many others.

"The president is giving tremendous support to ending the insurgency; he is doing his own bid, but what is left is for those he entrusts with the responsibilities to do whatever they can to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

"The president is doing his part, and we are grateful to him as well as the Minister of Defence who has been to Borno State four times in six months. We are grateful to our service chiefs, to the commanders on ground and most importantly to our gallant troops, the Civilian JTF and hunters who are in the battle field."

The governor, while enumerating the areas of challenges still being faced, made a strong appeal for the reopening of major economic roads and restoration of economic activities in some commercial towns on the shores of the Lake Chad.

He said this would check against idle citizens being recruited by the Boko Haram through economic inducements, while appealing for increased military presence in all routes in the state.