By: Gbenga Akingbule.
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, on Monday expressed deep concern over the Nigerian military’s inability to conduct a joint military action to eliminate Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists from the shores of Lake Chad, wondering why the situation had persisted since 2009.
Gatekeepers News reports that the lack of joint military operation, according to the governor, had made the shores of Lake Chad ” a safe haven ” for the terrorists.
This was revealed during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) ,Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke to Governor Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri , Borno State capital.
Zulum, known for his bluntness and truth-telling, said a joint military operation is required if Nigeria is ready to bring to an end the over one decade and half old insurgency.
“I want to bring to your kind notice that a thorough military operation, that involve the Navy, Air Force and Army, purposely intended to rid-off the Tumbus have never been conducted in the shores of Lake Chad,” Zulum said
The governor added that “If we want to bring down insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria, we must address the challenges we’re facing in the Lake Chad. The area has provided a safe haven for the terrorist. This is our major problem now.”
The Borno State Governor also identified the Sambisa Games Reserve, as well as the Mandara mountains, as another terrorists enclaves where the Nigerian military needs to conduct a unified offensive to eliminate Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
The governor who acknowledged the Airforce, Army and Navy for their different individual roles in the Lake Chad and other terrorists hideouts, said the a unified military action will yield more decisive result and bring the terrorists to their knees.
Governor Zulum recommended the deployment of more technology, specifically requesting that the Nigerian Air Force more Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) into the theatre,” noting that technology is the solution to the conflict.
He further proposed that the Command and Control structures of the military have a strategic thinking meeting in Maiduguri, with a view to interfacing with each other on how possible best to address the situation.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the military, Governor Zulum urged for additional funding to equip the armed forces with modern hardware to effectively prosecute the counter-insurgency operations.
