President Goodluck Jonathan has paid a surprise visit to
Maiduguri, Borno State capital, the center of the Boko
Haram terror attacks, assuring Internally Displaced
Persons that the military will soon recapture the 10
local governments under the control of Boko Haram.
“with the briefings by the service chiefs, 10 local
governments of the state currently under the control of
Boko Haram will soon be recaptured by the Nigerian
military
“I assure you that we will take over the towns and
communities and you will soon go back to your various
communities” the president said while visiting IDPs camped
at the Teachers Village in Maiduguri.
The President embarked on the trip after laying wreaths
to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja.
He promised them that the Federal Government will strive
to make their stay in the camps more comfortable while it
continues to do all within its powers to restore peace and
security to enable them return to their homes soon.
“Terrorism and insurgency have been very traumatic for all
of us. I feel particularly disturbed when I hear of our people
being displaced within their own country.
“I assure you and other displaced persons that Government
is working very hard to ensure that you do not remain in
these camps for too long.
“I know that many of your houses have been destroyed. We
will assist you financially so that you can rebuild your
homes and return to them gradually,” President Jonathan
told the displaced persons.
The President, who addressed officers and men of the 7
Division of the Nigerian Army at the Maimalari Cantonment,
expressed happiness that the military is now better
equipped to counter the terrorism bedeviling the northeast
states.
“The Nigerian military is better off in terms of equipment
than it was in the past and we will continue to do our best
to ensure the armed forces are better equipped,” the
president assured.
He poured encomiums on security forces for their loyalty,
dedication and sacrifice, maintaining that terrorism is a
global phenomenon and his administration is working day
and night to curtail it.
“We will assist you to succeed in your effort. We will give
you what is due to you. Government will make sure you get
it. We appreciate your dutiful service, loyalty and
commitment,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Keneth Minimah said the
President was also at the military base to interact with
officers involved in the counter insurgency operation,
stressing that the visit is symbolic being the day for
remembering fallen heroes.
He also charged local, state and federal government
officials to work with greater harmony and cooperation in
rendering support to the displaced persons.
“I do not want to be hearing conflicting reports on support
being given to them. Government is one and we must all
work together to assist our people whenever the need
arises.
“
I hope those indulging in sabotage allow him to.

waiting