We’ll sustain military operations in North East – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says the ongoing military operations in the North East will be sustained in order to secure the region.

Governor Babagana Zulum quoted the President as saying this after a closed door meeting with with a delegation from Borno and Yobe States/

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The delegation, led by Governors Zulum and Mai Mala Buni of Borno and Yobe States respectively, included former Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima , the Ministers of State, Agriculture, Mustapha Shehuri, Works and Housing, Abubakar Aliyu.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, the National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Monguno and the Director General of State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi.

The governor of Borno State, who briefed State House reporters on the outcome of the meeting, said the delegation asked the President to increase military and para-military presence in the North East sub-region.

He said: “The Borno Elders’ Forum and Yobe Elders’ Forum met with Mr. President purposely to convey their appreciation to the federal government, under the distinguished leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and all the efforts he has made to address insecurity in the region.

“Again, they have raised their concerns to Mr President with a view to solving them, infrastructural deficits in Borno and Yobe States and the entire northern region. They have also requested from the federal government, sustained military operations which has been yielding fruitful results in recent times.

“So far, so good, the President has responded positively to the government and people of Borno and Yobe states that he will do everything possible within the available resources to ensure sustainability of the ongoing military operations in the region.

“In terms of improving social economic situation of the region, we have also requested increased government support in terms of humanitarian support, in terms of education and others.

“The bottom line is that we came here to thank Mr President and to ensure increased military and para-military presence in Borno and Yobe states and indeed the entire north east sub-region with a view to ensuring security of the nation.”