The Senate Committee Chairman on Army, Senator Ali Ndume has urged the military to suppress the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in southern Borno State.
Ndume made the call on Wednesday when he led members of the committee on an oversight visit to the headquarters of Joint Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri.
”As Boko Haram members are surrendering, ISWAP is attacking people, particularly in the southern part of the state.
“It is also important that as we commend your effort to put you on notice.
“Please do more so that under your leadership (Theatre Commander) this year, it will be written in gold that you brought an end to the insurgency.
”We are Borno to assess the security situation on the ground as well as find ways of addressing the challenges,” Ndume said.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa lauded the committee for its commitment to address the challenges facing the army and assured it of the theatre’s commitment to discharge its assigned task.
“We say a big thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment.
“We will continue to put our best to ensure total peace is restored to northeast and Borno in particular,” Musa said.
While in Maiduguri, the committee also visited Gov. Babagana Zulum.
During the visit, Gov. Babagana Zulum disclosed Abadam and Guzamala Local Government Areas are still under the control of ISWAP terrorists as over 20,000 Boko Haram. members have surrendered.
” I am pleased to inform you that we have started witnessing the gradual return of peace, but more need to be done, because, presently, Guzamala and Abadam Local Government Areas are still under the control of Boko Haram.
“Although, the current Service Chiefs, the Theatre Commander and indeed our General Officer Commanding 7 Division are up and doing. We want to commend the military and other paramilitary personnel for their gallant efforts to see to the end of terrorism in this part of the country.
“Unfortunately, Government and people of Borno, especially those from southern and northern parts of the state are worried over the increasing number of ISWAP groups who have been terrorizing their communities,” Zulum said.
