Zulum calls for deployment of more air power against Boko Haram, ISWAP

By Abdullahi Mohammed

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has stressed the need to focus the battle against terrorism on Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in Lake Chad, Sambisa forest, Timbuktu triangle and Mandara mountains.

“We need a heavy air power in order to eliminate the insurgents and address insecurity in the general area,” he said while calling for the deployment of additional air platforms to further degrade the capabilities of terrorists in the North East.

Zulum made the call when he received the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, at the Government House, Maiduguri, on Tuesday.

He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in combating insecurity in the state, and providing humanitarian support to displaced persons.

“Notwithstanding the enormous contribution to the enhancement of peace and security in the state by the NAF, we still need more in terms of air power in the general Area of Responsibility (AoR) especially in the shores of the Lake Chad, Sambisa forest, Timbuktu triangle and Mandara mountains.

“These areas are very difficult to be manned effectively by ground troops alone. We need a heavy air power in order to eliminate the insurgents and address insecurity in the general area,” he said.

The governor acknowledged the deployment of drones and other platforms to the state and region, assuring to provide all the needed support to enable the service to succeed.

“I wish to assure you that the Borno State government remains fully committed to working in partnership with the NAF and other stakeholders to consolidate the gains we have achieved and address the gaps that persist,” Zulum said.

He also commended the synergy between the NAF and other services in the counter insurgency operations, noting that it contributed to the recent operational successes.

Earlier, Abubakar, applauded Zulum’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme known as “Borno Model” for repentant insurgents describing it as successful.

“Let me at this juncture join many others that have commended the Borno Model, which is a community-driven non-kinetic strategy developed by the Borno State government to address terrorism and the attendant humanitarian crises in the state.

“Undoubtedly, it has yielded positive results over the years, most evidently the deradicalisation programme.

“The model has been largely successful with the active participation of community-based groups, coupled with its focus on healing and reconciliation rather than punishment, especially for those forced into terrorism.

“These efforts have positively impacted the security situation across Borno and other states in the North East Zone and should be sustained,” Abubakar said. (NAN)