Boko Haram: Shettima Speaks Out Come Of Meeting With Defence Minister, Army Chief, DSS DG

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, on Wednesday in Abuja ‎held separate meetings with Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and Director General of Department of State Services, DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, over security matters in the State.

The meetings, at the instance of Shettima, discussed issues including the recent relocation of residents of communities in Jakana, Auno and Mainok located in Kaga and Konduga local government areas to an IDP camp in Maiduguri.

The military had explained that the development was for their safety in view of the ongoing fight against Boko Haram.

The Governor was accompanied by chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives committees on Defence, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Hon. Betara Aliyu respectively, the chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai and two House of Representatives members elect.

Briefing journalists, Shettima said: “We have accomplished our mission. The Chief of Army Staff has granted our request and some concerns raised by the Army will all be addressed.

“We all know that the relocation had raised dust but we felt consultation was the best approach. We have access to all the security heads, especially the chief of Army Staff here who is from Borno. We have met with the Minister of Defence as you have seen.

“We have all come to a consensus. We also have assurances on other matters relating to the military’s ongoing fight ‎against Boko Haram and we must acknowledge that the military has recorded huge successes not withstanding some setbacks.

“As I have always said, anyone that wants to appreciate the efforts on ground should compare with the past. We have seen the difference. We will continue to cooperate with and support the military. We will also remain grateful and proud of them”.