Military should not be left alone in the war against Boko Haram, says Shettima

By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri

The ongoing counter-insurgency war should not be left to the military alone, Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima has appealed.
He asked that all security and para-military agencies should get more involved in the war and jointly fight against the threat to the nation.
The governor made this appeal on Thursday while paying host to the Chairman of the Legion in Borno State, Colonel Williams Mamza (retired) who was accompanied by Service Chiefs in the State.
They had paid a courtesy call on him to intimate him with preparation for official Launching and Celebration of Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2019.
Shettima while lamenting the renewed attacks by insurgents that led to displacement of thousands of residents in Baga, Cross Kauwa, Mainok, Jakana and other communities, said, the fight against insurgency should not be left in the hands of military alone, but should be a collective one.
He commended the Nigerian Legion for their support, cooperation and sacrifices to government and the security agencies towards the fight against insurgency in the state.
The governor who donated what he termed a token to the Legion, commended them for complementing in its preparations for the launching and celebration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day slated on 15th January, 2019.
In his remarks, Col. Mamza said, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day which is an annual event, is to honour and identify the sacrifices made by retired and serving military men for defending the integrity of the fatherland, the Association is ever ready to offer its assistance restore peace in the region.
He commended the administration of governor Shettima for assisting legionnaires in the state, adding that, no governor in the country have assisted the association more than governor Shettima.
He noted that the Legion comprised of retired serving men and women who have assisted tremendously in keeping Nigeria as one big family, with commitment, dedication and selflessness, stressing that the sacrifices made will never be in vein.
He however appealed to the governor to allocate an office for the association at the Ramat Shopping Complex to assist in the day -to – day running of the affairs of the Nigerian Legion in the state, and as well secure the  arcade there.
Mamza assured the government and the people of the state that the association will continue to support the Nigerian armed forces in the fight against Boko Haram and restore normalcy in the state.
In a vote of thanks, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General Bulama Biu appreciated the collective efforts of government, elders and people of the state to security forces end the Boko Haram menace, insisting that with sustained civil supports to the military, the state and the north east region will soon be free from insurgents and other criminal activities.