Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said that the establishment of the Forest Guard by the Federal Government would address the challenge of insecurity in his state and the North-east in general.
Zulum, who said he was at the Villa to update the President on the security situation in his state, told newsmen on Monday that he had vowed never to cede any local government in his state to the insurgents.
Asked what he felt the government could do to address insecurity in his state, the governor said: “honestly speaking, we made a plea to the federal government of Nigeria, and I believe within the last couple of days, the Nigerian armed forces have taken some certain decisions that will curtail the imminence of the insurgency.
“And I believe something shall be done. Most importantly, some plans are underway by the federal government, especially the establishment of Forest Guards.
“That will be a game-changer. Above all, as we have said it all, some of the Boko Haram and ISWAP members are using some sophisticated weapons.
“I believe the federal government is also working on this direction. But by and large, the president has given me assurance that they will do everything to control the situation, and I believe the federal government will do something.
“On my own part, as the governor of Borno State, I will not relent in my effort in strengthening the resilience of our community and getting our volunteers so that the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces shall be complemented. So far so good. This is what is happening.
“And a few days ago I made a call that no local government shall be allowed to be taken over by Boko Haram or ISWAP members.
“It will never happen now. So I’m calling the Nigerian Armed Forces, the civilian authorities, and all those that are concerned to rise up to the matter and defend our local government areas.
“I believe, inshallah, with the support of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents.”
