Governor Darius Ishiaku of Taraba state has drawn the attention of the General Officer Commanding 82 division of the Nigerian Army, Major general Adamu Abubakar, to intelligence reports showing that scores of Boko Haram terrorists flushed out of Sambisa are relocating to Suntai Forest in the state.
Speaking when the GOC visited the state to charge security chiefs on issues relating to farmers/herdsmen clashes, the governor said, “We are awfully disturbed; there are reports of fleeing (suspected) Boko Haram Terrorists from Sambisa forest that are now finding a safe haven in Suntai’s forest in the southern part of Taraba State.
“The Bali axis is notorious for kidnappers, armed robbers and rapists. It is also becoming obnoxious for cattle rustling and associated banditry activities.
“We are also convinced of the presence of sleeper cells in our communities.
Continuing Ishiaku said, “GOC, the situation is worrisome; we know how proactive and decisive your COAS (Buratai) is on security threats across the nation.
“So, we want you to pass this information to him with the view to having a major military exercise in Taraba State, to destroy the bandits, especially in the notorious Suntai and Bali forest”
During the meeting, the Governor welcomed the GOC and his entourage, and commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for the great job they are doing in the struggle to end insurgency in Nigeria.
“We invited you to thank you and your troops that are tirelessly working here in Taraba State. We will use the opportunity to give you first hand security situation brief.
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Commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for the great job they are doing in the struggle to end insurgency in Nigeria, the Governor said, “We invited you to thank you and your troops that are tirelessly working here in Taraba State. We will use the opportunity to give you first hand security situation brief.
“Heads of security agencies in the State and other members of the State’s Security Council will also brief you with the view to finding a lasting solution to intermittent and unyielding clashes between Fulani- herdsmen and farmers in the State.
Responding, General Abubakar assured the Governor of the determination of the Division to checkmate the security challenges in the State.
The GOC said, “We will intensify whatever we have been doing to ensure security in Taraba State” adding “I will surely pass your request to the COAS Lt General Tukur Buratai”.
A statement signed by Col Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations noted that the operational visit of the GOC to 93 Battalion, Takum was in line with the professional disposition of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
“General Abubakar was accompanied on the visit by the Commander 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Bulama Biu, the Commander 82 Division Provost Group, Colonel Ahmadu Abubakar, the Commanding Officer 93 Battalion, Lt Colonel Ibrahim Gambari, the Commanding Officer 20 Battalion Lt Colonel Awwal Abdullahi and the representative of the Commander Military Intelligence Brigade, Major Ige Titus.
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