We’re Working For Rescue Of Ngoshe Abductees – Borno Govt

Borno State government is working to ensure the return of the over 200 civilians abducted recently by Boko Haram terrorists at Ngoshe in Gwoza local government area of the state.

The attack claimed lives of soldiers and community members, including the chief imam of the community.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Maiduguri, in view of the state’s extraordinary security council meeting held on Tuesday over the resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks on communities, the commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said while the state does not negotiate with terrorists, it had urged the insurgents to free the captives unconditionally.

The commissioner said the terrorists released a woman among the captives who returned and explained that the othersheld back were in good condition.

Tar said the security council meeting was attended by the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi, all heads of security agencies and heads of ministries, departments and agencies ( MDAs ) , who have mandate on security.

He said the security council reviewed the current security situation in the state, particularly the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in some fragile locations in the state , adding that council took stock of the recent attacks, especially loss of lives and property, as well as loss of military equipment, military and civilian casualties.

The commissioner added  that after extensive resolutions, council commiserated with the armed forces of Nigeria and civilian communities over the sad loss of some military commanders, soldiers and civilians as a result of attacks in some locations, especially in Ngoshe, Dalwa, Konduga and other places.

He added that council commended the theatre commander, military formations and other security agencies for their support in safeguarding lives and property in Borno State.

Prof Tar further said that council took note that recently, the theatre commander embarked on military mission in the Timbuktu triangle which led to the flushing out of the insurgents out of their safe havens.

He said the council noted that the recent resurgence of attacks might not be unconnected to the fact that the insurgents are taking the heat from their safe havens and are now attacking everywhere.

He said the council expressed deep concern with the escalation of insurgency in communities in fragile locations such as Ngoshe and Konduga now under fire.

” Council called on the Nigerian military and other security agencies to improve on their operations and tactics with a view to reversing the recent tides of Boko Haram attacks.

” Council took note of details of military operational plans and commended them for coming up with better plans. Council wish that in the coming days the situation will come under control.

” Council expressed concerns over collosal loss of critical assets and platforms as a result of the recent attacks and called that such don’t occur again. Council called on Borno security forum to sit down and come up with detailed tactical plans in order to halt attacks in locations, especially Maiduguri metropolis within the last 10 days of Ramadan”, said the Commissioner.

He urged residents of the state to shun fake news and rumours which were orchestrated by enemies who want to cause panic.

He further urged members of the public to support the Nigerian military and other security agencies with the provision of intelligence reports to security agencies towards defeating the terrorists.