From Olukayode Idowu, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor has established a division of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to tackle the incessant attacks by the Boko Haram along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.
The RRS is a special security squad with officers drawn from the police, local hunters, vigilante group and Civilian Joint Task Force.
Established last year by Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum to tackle the menace of Boko Haram, the new division of the RRS is to be stationer in Auno on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway that has suffered terrorist attacks in recent times.
One of such attacks drew the ire of the public and made President Muhammadu Buhari paid a visit as more than 30 travelers were killed in a night attack at Auno that left property put at several millions of Naira lost.
Speaking at the weekend to journalists during the presentation of vehicles to the new division, the Borno State Commander of RRS, Abioye Babalola , a Chief Superintendent of Police ( CSP ), said the security formation in Auno will patrol the highway 24 hours to ensure the security of lives and properties of people living in the area, as well as travellers and farmers.
He said:” Before the establishment of RRS in Auno, the headquarters was in Maiduguri. And deployment was from Maiduguri to all parts of the state.
“We will be patrolling all the highway providing security for all the commuters and goods especially, all the essential commodities coming into the state during the COVID-19 lockdown.”
He added that: “Governor Babagana Umara Zulum viewed the presence of the RRS at Auno as a measure to provide security to the inhabitants of Auno , because of the Boko Haram attacks on the area in January.
“So in the Governor’s magnanimity, he released another three patrol hilux for the RRS Command, vigilante, CJTF and hunters at Auno. All deployment of RRS in the area will now start from Auno.
“We will take care of that axis and provide protection to the farmers in this coming rainy season of planting, so that more people will have confidence in going to their farmlands in line with the federal government’s directive as was pronounced by President Muhammadu Buhari for mass involvement in agriculture.”
Babalola promised that: “The security chain will remain in Auno and enough food has been provided. It is 24/7 patrol. We have enough equipment. The primary purpose is to provide security network for the people in the area.”