President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Yobe State governor, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, to mobilise community support for the Nigerian armed forces in the ongoing operations against Boko Haram terrorists.
The President also directed the armed forces to intensify their offensive against the terrorists within the entire Northeast general area, particularly around the fringes of the Lake Chad.
President Buhari’s instructions were given on Thursdays when the Yobe State governor paid him a visit at the State House in Abuja, emphasising the need for a peaceful environment within the Northeast, especially so that the best of the farming season could be exploited.
Details of the conversation between the President and Governor Buni were contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Thursday.
The President warned the armed forces against complacency, saying everything must be done to see to it that the recent gains made in the military campaigns against Boko Haram terrorists were sustained and that no piece of Nigeria’s territory was ever again occupied by terrorists.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the nations Armed Forces to sustain ongoing counter insurgency operations on the fringes of Lake Chad and the entire North East so that the Boko Haram menace can be totally eliminated.
“President Muhammadu Buhari, who noted with satisfaction the giant strides being recorded by the Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency, urged them not to relent in the discharge of their mandate.
“He specifically warned against complacency in the task of ensuring that the nation’s territory is no longer habitable for the terrorists so that sustainable peace and development can be achieved.
“The President said this is necessary towards ensuring that farming and other socio-economic activities in the area are not disrupted.
“He expressed the belief that health and well-being of the nation depends largely on its ability to feed itself and Agricultural production is key.
“President Buhari however tasked the Yobe State Governor to continuously mobilize community support for the Military operations saying intelligence sharing and synergy between law enforcement agencies and the civil populace are critical towards achieving the objectives,” the statement said.
The Governor, who briefed the President on the security situation in his state, formally appreciated the federal government for the decisive and proactive measures being deployed in the renewed onslaught against the Boko Haram terrorists.
He said significant achievements had been recorded by the Military in containing the criminal elements now in disarray, after the recent operations by the Chadian military.
Governor Buni assured the President that if the tempo was maintained, Boko Haram would soon become history.