Obi who made this known in a message to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrated on January 15. He explained that the level of corruption, bad governance, insecurity of lives and property prevalent in the country has continued to threaten the unity for which the past heroes sacrificed their lives.

“If left unchecked, the unity of our dear nation will continue to be threatened by the heavy burden of political rascality and irresponsibility of public office holders.

“Our heroes past did not fight for a nation that would be plagued by debts, of which the funds are not clearly accounted for; insecurity of lives and property, and high level of corruption that has continued to weaken our economy,” Obi explained.

He urged Nigerians to always look beyond tribal and religious affiliations in relating with one another, stressing that that is the kind of nation Nigeria’s fallen heroes dreamt of and fought for.

“Building our country Nigeria is a collective obligation. We must tear down the tribal and religious walls that divide us and unite together to achieve a common goal: the Nigeria of our dreams,” Obi stated.

He called on leaders at all levels of government to see leadership as opportunity for sacrifice.

“Our fallen heroes all paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Our leaders must understand that leadership is a call to service and sacrifice for the good of the nation,” Obi said.

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Speaking at the year 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and wreath laying ceremony at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Nigerians should be thankful to God for celebrating this year’s ceremony despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Sanwo-Olu while applauding the organisers of the programme, said despite the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and other parts of the world, they could keep up with the yearly ritual while adhering to safety protocols.

He said: “It is usually a yearly ceremony and we are thankful that this year’s ceremony could still be observed. I want to congratulate and commend all of our officers in the military and also the Nigerian Police, but more especially men of the Legion and everybody that has participated in this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance ceremony, the parade, men on guard and everything.

“I think it has been a testimonial and it is a yearly ritual that we are thankful to God that we can still keep this year’s activity as important as it is. We were still able to observe all of the protocols and you could see that everything has gone very well. It is just a one hour event and we are thankful for the organisers that they have been able to put this together again.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day laid the wreath at the arcade and also released white pigeons and balloons into the air.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mrs Folasade Jaji; Service Commanders; State Chairman of Nigeria Legion and other dignitaries also laid the wreath during the ceremony in memory of the falling heroes.

The event was attended by service chiefs and members of the State Executive Council.

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A checklist below:
INTERNAL SECURITY:

Boko Haram is much weaker today than in 2015, as attested to by the Governor of Borno State on December 6, 2020:

“From state-wide statistics on affairs in the 27 Local Government Areas since 2011, the fact is that despite the recent happenings in Borno State, the security situation in Borno State and, indeed, that of the entire North East sub-region is still far better under Buhari, and this is based on records.

“For instance, unlike the years before Buhari when a number of local governments were no-go-areas, we now have indigenes safely back to Gwoza, Askira-Uba, Dikwa, Ngala, Monguno, Kukawa, Damboa, Konduga, Mafa and led by our traditional leaders, which no one could have visited not to talk of living there. Our Emirs were all in exile. Today, Bama is coming back to life and so is Askira-Uba, Damboa, Gwoza and others. Life is even returning to Baga. This was impossible before Buhari.

“In fact, it was not possible to move few kilometres out of Maiduguri. Insurgents were so bold to attack and take over military facilities, like the Army Barracks at Monguno, Bama, Giwa Barrack and Multinational Joint Task Force Headquarters at Baga, to mention just a few. There were daily bomb blast attacks in many parts of Maiduguri, the most populated part of the state but all these have stopped under President Buhari. These are the records and no one can dispute them.”

Highlights of defence headquarters-coordinated operation, 18 March to 30 December, 2020:

• The Armed Forces of Nigeria from 18 March to 30 December, 2020 neutralized 2,403 criminal elements (terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers, etc.) across the country.

• This is in addition to scores of other terrorists and armed bandits killed during air strikes.

• Troops also rescued a total of 864 kidnapped victims across the country.

• In addition, a total of 9,684,797 litres of stolen AGO and 33,516,000 litres of DPK were recovered.

• Equally, 1,910 criminal elements were arrested and large cache of arms, ammunition and equipment were recovered during the period.

• Furthermore, a total of 46,581.8 barrels of stolen crude oil and 22,881,257 litres of stolen PMS were recovered by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Sectoral Breakdown of March to December 2020 Military Successes:

North-West:

5,281 livestock, 6,951 rounds of ammunition and 120 assorted rifles were recovered from the armed bandits by the gallant troops in the Zone, 455 kidnapped victims were rescued and 473 armed bandits killed. 461 arrests were made in the Zone including high profile armed bandits, gun runners and bandits’ collaborators, while a total cash of N6,365,550 was recovered from armed bandits and their informants in the Zone.

North-East:

200 kidnapped victims rescued by troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. A total of 1,385 rounds of ammunition, 45 grenades as well as 95 assorted rifles were recovered from BHT/ISWAP fighters. In addition, several gun trucks were captured, while some others were destroyed during air strikes. 1,805 insurgents/terrorists including commanders were killed by the troops aside scores killed by air raids/attacks. Additionally, within the period, a total of 79 arrests were made including high value targets.

North-Central:

Troops of Operations SAFE HAVEN, WHIRL STROKE and THUNDER STRIKE rescued a total of 130 kidnapped victims, and 105 assorted rifles as well as 513 rounds of ammunition and 1,055 rustled cattle were recovered from armed bandits and other criminal elements in the Zone. 1,250 criminals including family members of the Darul Salam sect were arrested within the period. Furthermore, troops neutralized a total of 125 armed bandits including militia gang leaders.

South-South:

A total of 8,890,300 litres of stolen AGO and 33,516,00 litres of DPK were impounded by troops of Operation DELTA SAFE. Troops immobilized a total of 185 illegal refining sites, 85 dugout pits and 163 metal storage tanks within the period. Additionally, troops impounded a cumulative total of 31,236.8 barrels of stolen crude oil as well as 12,272,652 litres of stolen PMS from oil thieves in the Zone. Also, a total of 47 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 72 vandals and criminals were arrested. A total of 4,250 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled smuggled rice were impounded and 45 boats engaged in illegal activities were arrested. Troops also arrested a total of 53 pirates and 25 trucks as well as recovered 23 rifles, 65,330 rounds of ammunition and destroyed 23 sea pirate camps.

South-West:

Troops of Operation AWATSE in the South-West Zone between 18 March and 30 December 2020 impounded a total of 10,458,600 litres of PMS; 15,345 barrels of stolen crude oil and 345,000 litres of stolen AGO. Additionally, troops recovered a total of 3,594 rounds of ammunition and 14 assorted rifles. Also, within the period, a total of 23 illegal refining sites were immobilized, while 15 boats and 23 trucks engaged in illegal activities were arrested. In the same vein, within the period 35 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 48 arrests were made.

NORTH-EAST SECURITY ACHIEVEMENTS, 2015-2020

Specifically, in the North East, the Armed Forces have since 2015 recorded significant achievements in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. The first actions of the Buhari Administration in that regard were:

· Revitalization of the Multi-National Joint Task Force comprising Nigeria and her neighbours;
· Relocation of the Military Command and Control Center to Maiduguri in June 2015;
· Launch of Operation Lafiya Dole in July 2015.

Since then, several towns and villages have been reclaimed from Boko Haram, thousands of hostages have been freed from terrorist enclaves, and tens of thousands of displaced persons have been resettled. Several Boko Haram leaders have been killed or arrested, and the arrest of Khalid al-Barnawi of the Ansaru splinter cell brought an end to the terrorists’ tight grip on North Central Nigeria.

The Federal Government is investing heavily in military hardware, including 23 new aircraft that have already been delivered and inducted into service, while another 18 manned aircraft and 8 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) are being awaited, in 2021/2022. This is in addition to attack boats, patrol vessels, armoured tanks and so on.

The Army established ‘Special Mobile Strike Teams’ in the Northeast, while the Air Force has established or is establishing new bases in various parts of the Northwest and North Central (Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina).

Here is a selection of significant developments that show the progress in Borno State and the Northeast:

• El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club returned to their home base in Maiduguri in April 2016, two years after relocating to Katsina State because of the insurgency

• Public Secondary Schools resumed in Borno State on Monday September 26, 2016, after two years of closure

• Capture of Boko Haram’s operational and spiritual headquarters, “Camp Zero”, in Sambisa Forest, in December 2016. Following this, the Nigerian Army conducted its Small Arms Championship from 26th to 31st March 2017, a measure aimed at enabling the Armed forces to dominate the area, and avoid regrouping by the terrorists.

• Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno State Chapter declared the 2017 Easter Celebrations as the best and safest since 2009.

• Arik Air resumed flights to Maiduguri in May 2017, three years after suspending operations to the city.

• Nigerian Military reopened Maiduguri-Bama-Banki Road in March 2018, four years after it was seized by Boko Haram.

• Hundreds of thousands of displaced persons have returned to their homes and communities across the Northeast, since 2015.

• Tens of thousands of hostages have been freed from Boko Haram captivity, including 106 of the Chibok Girls abducted in April 2014, and 105 of the Dapchi Girls abducted in February 2018.

HIGHLIGHTS OF OPERATION SWIFT RESPONSE (PARTIAL BORDER CLOSURE) AUGUST 2019 TO DECEMBER 2020:

Operation SWIFT RESPONSE (OSR) which was launched in August 2019 and coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has now transformed into Nigeria’s Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) as part of a Tripartite Operation, comprising Benin, Niger and Nigeria.

• 1,401 irregular migrants arrested

Total seizures:

• 159,506.7 (50kg) bags of parboiled foreign rice;
• 10,447 bags of NPK fertilizer used for making explosives;
• 1,974 Vehicles;
• 895 motorcycles;
• 18,690.3 Jerry cans of Vegetable Oil, among other seized items.
• The total monetary value of the apprehended items is about Twelve Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty Five Naira Fifty Kobo (₦12,538,333,545.50).

2021:

NEW NAF BASES COMING TO KATSINA AND GOMBE

• Nigerian Air Force has acquired land to be used for an Operational Base in Gwauruwa Village, Funtua in Katsina State. The new base will translate into increased security coverage and reduced response times for effective air operations against bandits in the area.

• Nigerian Air Force has commenced construction of a Base for its newly-established Unit, the 203 Combat Renaissance Group (203 CRG), in Gombe State. The Base will host some of the NAF’s newly-acquired armed drones (UCAVs).

LAUNCH OF OPERATION TURA TAKAIBANGO IN YOBE STATE IN JANUARY 2021:

· Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO was launched by the Military as a subsidiary Operation of Operation LAFIYA DOLE on January 7, 2021. On January 9, 2021, Troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO identified and encircled a Boko Haram ambush site in Gujba LGA of Yobe State, killing 28 Boko Haram Terrorists, destroying one Boko Haram Gun Truck with its occupants while capturing another Gun Truck. Also captured were 2 Anti-Aircraft Guns, 13 AK 47 Rifles, 4 extra magazines and a Vulcanizing Machine.

LAUNCH OF EXERCISE “TAIMAKO YAZO”:

• The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on 2 January, 2021, conducted a Joint Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Special Forces (SF) and Air Police K-9 Simulation Exercise (JCSAEX) at Rijana Village along Kaduna-Abuja Highway.

• The Exercise, code named “TAIMAKO YAZO”, was aimed at simulating tactics, doctrine and synergy amongst first responders for effective CSAR operations of downed aircrew or other NAF personnel who have had to eject or abandon their aircraft in emergency situations.

• The ability to rescue crew from hostile environments is particularly important as it can be adapted for anti-kidnapping operations as was recently done by the NAF in concert with other security agencies in the rescue of all the 344 kidnapped boys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State.

• The Air Force will conduct a total of six of these Exercises between January and June 2021, mostly in the Northwest, particularly in Zamfara and Katsina States.

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The Governor said the State would always identify with the heroism and gallantry of servicemen who gave their all to the service of the country, promising the State Government won’t relent in supporting family members of ex-service personnel who died fighting for Nigeria unity.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the launch of the emblem for 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Appeal Fund held on Tuesday at the State House, Marina. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the State chapter of Nigerian Legion.

The main event for Armed Forces Remembrance is held every January 15, during which military and paramilitary parades are held to commemorate the gallantry of servicemen and ex-personnel.

Sanwo-Olu, who is the patron of the Legion, said the State Government would be supporting the Legion to assist in the welfare of ex-service personnel that became physically challenged in line of duty, while also pledging assistance to Lagos-based relatives of soldiers who died in service.

The Governor said: “As a Government, we will continue to modestly support the welfare of our heroes and identify with your cause. We will continue to ensure that we bring succour and relief to the gallant officers that have served this country at one point in time or the other.

“The ex-servicemen who have now grown to become old soldiers have served the country at the prime age. The least we can do as a State is to continue to celebrate these brave men and women who made sacrifice for our country’s unity. Through the Legion, we will assist in the welfare of those inflicted with disabilities, also ensuring the families of fallen heroes are not forgotten. This is the reason the State generously donate to the Appeal Fund.”

The Governor promised to strengthen its engagement with the Legion and improve their operational efficiency, by donating more patrol vehicles and provide logistical support to the group of ex-servicemen. He said the State would augment budgetary allocation to the Legion.

In demonstration of his generosity to the Legion, Sanwo-Olu launched the emblem and Appeal Fund with N5 million, while promising more donations.

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Anofi Elegushi, said the launching was one of the important pre-event activities lined up for the marking of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He disclosed that there would be a special Jumu’ah service on Friday at the Secretariat Central Mosque and interdenominational church service on Sunday at Chapel of Christ the Light in Alausa to commemorate the day.

Deputy Commandant General of the Nigerian Legion in Lagos, who doubles as chairman of the State chapter, Colonel Fola Akande, said the launch of the Appeal Fund by the Governor would put smiles on the faces of over 2,000 beneficiaries of the Legion’s yearly empowerment programmes, stressing that the Legion usually reached out to widows of ex-servicemen, disabled soldiers and orphans.

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The Governor said the citizenry had a responsibility to keep Nigeria on the path of sustainable prosperity and unity, saying such remained the best way to honour the patriotism and bravery of men of the Nigerian armed forces who died in the course of protecting the country.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Wednesday after he laid the wreath in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at Remembrance Arcade at Tafawa Balewa Square. The event is held yearly to honour soldiers and officers who died in the course of carrying out their constitutional duty.

The Governor observed that labour of the fallen heroes would not be in vain if citizens remained resolute in defending the unity of Nigeria.

He said: “Today’s event is very significant, because it is being held in honour of those who laid down their lives to defend our country and keep it united. We will continue to celebrate their bravery and appreciate them for their efforts. As a nation, we must continue to ensure that all their efforts did not go unnoticed.

“The event is also an evidence for brave men and women that are currently serving in the armed forces, that government will certainly not forget their service to our fatherland. Therefore, to ensure that our fallen soldiers did not labour in vain, we must make sacrifice for peace and unity of this country.”

Sanwo-Olu reiterated the State’s commitment to working with security agencies to strengthen professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional duties. Lagos, the Governor pledged, will remain friendly and maintain non-discriminatory approach towards members of armed forces seconded to the State for duties.

He said the State Government had also been supportive of retired military personnel and spouses of fallen soldiers.

The Governor said no fewer than 2,000 members of Nigerian Legion, who are mainly ex-servicemen, had been engaged by Lagos Government to support security operations across the State. This, he said, underscored the Government’s readiness to continue to improve welfare of ex-service personnel and honour their bravery.

Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that his administration would be catering for the spouses of fallen soldiers through empowerment scheme of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

“We do not want the wives of our fallen heroes to live in abject. Lagos Government will be supporting them through our empowerment programme being run by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation that deliberately caters for widows.

“We will correct their narratives and I can assure you that widows of our fallen heroes will be targeted in our empowerment scheme. We also can have a special social programme which will target them. We will extract information and reach out to them.

“We will make sure that in our next programme, we deliberately look for all of the widows of our fallen heroes and give them empowerment. It is for the Government to be able to give them empowerment, so that they can continue to fend for their families and themselves.”

The event was graced by commanders of all security formations in the State, and top functionaries of the Lagos State Government, including the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola and members of the Governor’s cabinet.

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The President launched the emblem and appeal fund for the support of Nigerian veterans and fallen heroes with N10 million, before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council.

“We would have no country to lead if our acts of deliberate incitement lead to the disintegration of our dear nation,’’ the President said in his address at the Council Chambers.

“Let us put Nigeria first and realise that in every contest there must be one winner,’’ he added.

President Buhari reminded the nation that the celebration was a painful reminder of the perils of war and the need for the nation to avoid a recurrence.

“The celebration forcefully reminds us of the resolve of our citizens to remain in one united country, Nigeria.

“It also points out the fact that we had been through a bitter and unfortunate war that led to the loss of millions of our compatriots and the need to do all within our powers to avoid a reoccurrence of war,’’ he said.

President Buhari also used the occasion to appreciate the gallantry and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the campaign against insurgency and other internal security operations.

Noting that the efforts of the armed forces have led to the return of normalcy in affected parts of the nation, the President regretted the recent murder of two young and promising aid workers; Saifura Khorsa and Hauwa Liman by Boko Haram terrorists.

“It is painful that this happened despite all the efforts of government to effect release of the two victims. We condemn the callous and cowardly act in its entirety and call on all citizens and friends to forge a united front against this common enemy of our destiny.

“Once more, I extend the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of Nigeria to the families and friends of these martyrs,’’ the President said.

The Nigerian leader pledged that the resettlement and rehabilitation of citizens affected by the war on terror will continue, commending Dangote Foundation for its partnership with Government in the rebuilding process in Borno State.

The President, therefore, called on other corporate organisations to borrow a leaf from this noble initiative as Government alone cannot satisfy all the needs, given her limited resources.

President Buhari also expressed delight that businesses operating in Nigeria are beginning to give special consideration to members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

“Specifically, some airlines operating in Nigeria offer discounts to members of the Armed Forces. This gesture is commendable and in line with my call for recognition, consideration and appreciation of our Armed Forces. I urge more business ventures to chip in by assisting the Security Forces in whatever way they can,’’ he said.

The President also thanked charity organisations for taking up the task of catering for the welfare of veterans and members of the armed forces, adding that the nation owe a debt of gratitude to men and women of the armed forces who have the responsibility of securing the Nation, and ensuring a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

On the Bill to amend the Nigerian Legion Act to a proposed “Veterans Federation of Nigeria” Act, the President urged the 8th National Assembly to give the proposed legislation, which seeks to ensure proper welfare and health condition of military veterans, quick attention.

“As Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion (Veterans), I wish to pledge my continued support and that of the Federal Government to the organisation.

“My appreciation goes to State Governors who are patrons in their respective states for the support they are giving to the Legion. I enjoin them not to relent but improve on this,” he said.

President Buhari called on all Nigerians and others resident in Nigeria to procure and wear the emblems with pride to identify with those who laid down their lives for peace and security of our fatherland.

The President was accompanied to the event by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, members of the Federal Executive Council, Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, senior officers and veterans.

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He commended the gallantry of the security forces and their contribution to peace, security and development but lamented that some political leaders were engrossed in comprising security in Bayelsa.

The governor, according to a statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation,Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, issued the threat while speaking at the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Yenagoa.

Dickson charged the leaders of the various security outfits to show the requisite courage and professionalism to take decisive measures to enforce security in accordance with the express stipulations of the constitution.

He said that the officers and men of the military had a responsibility to identify and flush out criminal elements from the nooks and crannies of the state.

According to him, any failure and refusal to see crime fighting from a strictly professional perspective would amount to a display of lack of courage and cowardice which shouldn’t be the case.

He said, “I call for robust partnership. In this state I will continue to kick against political leaders who use advantaged political position to compromise national and state security instead of supporting security and stability in our communities, instead of supporting the growth and development of legitimate businesses.

“I will name and shame them; I will not hesitate to do so but I will also call on the security agencies themselves to eschew cowardice. This is because it is a partnership. While we create the enabling political environment for security agencies to function, I call on security agents and their leaders to eschew cowardice.

“If you see a criminal and you cannot call him a criminal, you are a coward. If you see a criminal and you cannot go after that criminal, you are an accomplish.”

He said that commanders of the security forces tending to be political correct would only do a disservice to society and should go after after the criminals across the state.

The Governor stressed that any community that failed to organize itself to flush our criminal elements such as kidnappers and pirates would be held responsible for the actions of the hoodlums.

Dickson added that he would readily support security operatives to go after any person or group of persons found to have perpetrated acts inimical to peace, progress and stability of the state.

“Any community that does not organize itself to flush out criminals who have turned those communities to their den òf operation would be held responsible. Those communities and their leaders would be held responsible and should have themselves to blame.

“In this state, security agencies will have my support and full backing to bring to book any criminal; they have my support to go into any community to carry out effective and appropriate law enforcement; they would have my support to go after any criminal that kills innocent people.

“That is my duty under the constitution. I take it seriously. I call on the leadership of the security agencies to be courageous to do what is right, as any one lacking in courage has no business wearing the proud colours of our uniform.”

Dickson also called on the political leadership to give priority to the need to ensure provision of adequate equipment to the military and other security agencies in the country.

He said that the security forces deserved to be equipped to carry out the onerous responsibility of law enforcement having volunteered their lives in the service of society.

He commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their contributions to the protection of the nation’s territorial integrity, and the welfare and prosperity of her citizens.

He said that those in active service should carry out their duty with a consciousness of the fact that their work to create the right environment, prosperity and development would not go in vain.

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Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Thanksgiving Service to commemorate this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, said his administration will continue to set the standard and be a model for the promotion of the welfare of ex-service men so as to add immense value to their lives.

“The government and people of Lagos State will continue to appreciate the sacrifice of our compatriots who laid down their lives to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of our country. We will also not forget those who suffered physical injuries which have become a constant reminder of the pains suffered in the battle field. We also identify with the families left behind by the fallen heroes.

“Their needs will continue to be prioritized as we continue to add immense value to their lives. Our Legionnaires will continue to be treasured partners in our drive for a greater Lagos, where peace, prosperity and sustainable development remain the benchmark and minimum standard for good governance,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Oluseye Oladejo, also charged Nigerians to see the celebration not just as a time to pray for the repose of the souls of the dead and for an enduring peace and unity, but also seize the occasion as a time to renew faith and draw strength and inspiration from our diversity to build a nation that can truly be a pride for the black race.

He, however, expressed displeasure with the fact that despite efforts by fallen heroes, Nigeria was still grappling with challenges of insecurity which has continued to claim the lives of valiant soldiers, members of other security agencies as well as those of innocent civilians.

“While some have suffered partial and permanent disability, several others, especially civilians, have been displaced from their homes and deprived of the means of their livelihood. In the face of this challenge, we must not relent, but continue to show resilience. We must continue to pray for divine intervention as we work hard to promote peace amongst all people in our communities,” the Governor said.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi, thanked Governor Ambode for his continuous support for the welfare and wellbeing of members of the Armed Forces.

She urged widows of fallen heroes not to despair, but take solace in the fact that the freedom the nation enjoys today was through the deprivation of some homes of their loved ones.

“May God continue to be your strength, your shield and comforter. You are not alone as the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will continue to make efforts to support you and your families. The sacrifice of our heroes who paid the supreme price while protecting our cherished sovereignty will continue to be remembered and deeply appreciated,” Awoseyi said.

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Maiduguri is the hotbed of Boko Haram’s terrorist activities.

The visit came after the Presidency had rebuffed calls for him to visit some of the communities that have been terrorised by the violent sect.

Accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the National Security Adviser and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, President Jonathan visited officers and men of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri to thank them for their patriotic and courageous service to the nation.

The President told officers and soldiers of the Division that the nation was very proud of them and grateful for their dedication and commitment to the defence of the civilian population against terrorists and violent extremists.

President Jonathan also assured the troops that the Federal Government will continue to do everything possible to ensure that they get the weapons, equipment, welfare and logistics support they require to completely rout the insurgents and restore full security and normalcy to affected parts of the country.

Describing the troops as a special breed of men who were undertaking a great assignment for their fatherland, the President assured them that all necessary action was being taken to address challenges facing them in their operations against Boko Haram.

“In terms of equipment and logistics, we have already made considerable progress since the insurgency started and we will continue to improve in that regard until your operations are successfully concluded,” he told the soldiers.

President Jonathan also toured wards of the 7 Division Hospital and Medical Services Centre where he met with soldiers recovering from injuries sustained in operations against Boko Haram. He wished them speedy recovery.
Before leaving the Borno State capital, President Jonathan visited over 900 displaced persons from Baga at a camp in the city.

The President commiserated with the displaced persons on the losses they suffered during the attack on their town by Boko Haram.

He promised them that the Federal Government will strive to make their stay in the camps more comfortable while it continues to do all within its powers to restore peace and security to enable them return to their homes soon.

“Terrorism and insurgency have been very traumatic for all of us. I feel particularly disturbed when I hear of our people being displaced within their own country.

“I assure you and other displaced persons that Government is working very hard to ensure that you do not remain in these camps for too long.

“I know that many of your houses have been destroyed. We will assist you financially so that you can rebuild your homes and return to them gradually,” President Jonathan told the displaced persons.

The President thanked the Red Cross and other international organizations who have been assisting in the provision of relief materials to the displaced persons.

He also charged local, state and federal government officials to work with greater harmony and cooperation in rendering support to the displaced persons.

“I do not want to be hearing conflicting reports on support being given to them. Government is one and we must all work together to assist our people whenever the need arises.

“We must cooperate maximally and work together at the local government, state and federal levels to ensure that our people who are unfortunately displaced from their homes get the best possible treatment,” President Jonathan said.

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