The Adamawa State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla, has alleged that Boko Haram fighters fleeing Sambisa Forest are attempting to infiltrate his state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr Martins Babale at a security meeting, the governor claimed that the fleeing terrorists were trying to infiltrate some communities in the state so as to continue with thier sinister activities.
This was contained in a statement . According to the governor, the “insurgents are on the run from ground zero which has been defeated and they are running to hide in communities of the state to continue their nefarious activities of killing innocent people.”
He called on all residents of the state to watch out for strange faces among them.
The governor also disclosed that he would close all Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps in the state in January 2017 and relocate all IDPs to their various places.
He expressed displeasure with the continuous existence of IDPs in camps in the state.
“We will take steps including encouraging them to settle in villages; we will collaborate with all stakeholders to make sure that between now and January 30th, everyone has left the camps,” he said.
Recall that the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai while declaring the capture of Sambisa Forest, had said the area hitherto the insurgents stronghold will now be used for training of troops.
Following the capture of Camp Zairo, a major stronghold of the insurgents in Sambisa Forest, the terrorists have been on the run for fear of being captured or killed by troops.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has enjoined citizens to keep vigilant and be wary of fleeing Boko Haram members who might want to seek refuge in the state.
He said the capture and fall of Zambisa Forest, the last strong hold of the insurgents posed a serious challenge to other states because they have no other hiding place other than to spread all over the country and regrettably mix with and disguise as good people.
In a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Governor Sani Bello urged citizens to be watchful and not to harbor unknown strangers stressing that security issue is a collective responsibility of everyone.
“We are aware of reports that some of these fleeing miscreants have been arrested in some states therefore, it is our collective duty as citizens to keep our eyes open and report any suspicious character within our midst”.
The Governor disclosed that the state government, has directed and mobilized all the security apparatus in the state to proactively intensify effort towards ensuring that Niger state is not made aboard of fleeing Boko Haram members or any criminal element.
“We have taken proactive measure since the assumption of office to ensure that the state remains safe for its citizens.One of the cardinal priority of the administration is peace and security.In that wise, a new Mobile Police Squadron was established in the state to strengthen the fight against crime ”
He also used the opportunity to reiterate his appeal to preach peace and tolerance.
“As a state we are known for peace. We are committed to maintaining religious harmony and peaceful co-existence amongst the people. ”
Governor Sani Bello, again, congratulated the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and ither security agencies for thier gallantry throughout the battle with the insurgents and commended the decision to turn the Zambisa Forest to a Military training ground.
Jibrin Baba Ndace
Chief Press Secretary
29th December, 2016
