With the relocation of some residents of the town of Baga to Borno, Governor Babagana Zulum urged the military to reopen the Baga naval base to strengthen security on Lake Chad.
He made the call Monday in Maiduguri while receiving the new theater commander of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Major-General. Christopher Musa, who paid him a courtesy call.
Zulum said reviving the base would provide more security for fishermen and farmers on the lake shores to resume farming.
“The resumption of fishing activities in Baga is very dear to us and that is why we must see how we can support the immediate relocation of the Maiduguri naval base to Baga,” said the governor.
Zulum also urged the theater commander to work towards creating an environment for farmers to resume farming in reclaimed areas for a living, stressing that the greatest insecurity is food insecurity.
He observed that 90 percent of the people of Borno are farmers who needed to return to farming and other activities to normalize their lives.
The governor also mentioned the need to activate the critical border towns recovered like Malumfatori, Abadam, Gudumbali, Kareto as well as the reopening of the Damboa-Maiduguri, Bama-Banki and Dikwa-Gamboru roads for normal transport activities.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue resettling IDPs in accordance with the Kampala Convention, adding that the continued dependence on handouts from international organizations is not sustainable and has started to make some people lazy.
“Developing resilience is critical. If communities were allowed to engage in normal activities, they would help fight the insurgents.
“When the number of inhabited villages and towns increases, Boko Haram will no longer have the capacity to attack them and we will be able to get more information about their (insurgent) movements,” he said.
While describing Musa’s appointment as theater commander as a welcome development due to his experience in Borno, Zulum assured him of the full support of the government and people of Borno to succeed in his mission.
Earlier, the theater commander said he was at Government House for an official presentation and to assure the government and people of Borno of their commitment to keep their promises.
Musa said the operation now involved both military, paramilitaries, hunters and a civilian joint task force for maximum result, adding that they would use both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
“The farming season is approaching, we need to create the right atmosphere for farmers to return to the farm.
“Everything will be done within the limits of our powers to ensure peace and the return of people to their farms.
“Your Excellency, I want to assure you and my team that you will see the difference.
“We are determined to bring peace to Borno and throughout the northeast,” the commander said. (NAN)
