Why Buhari Visited Maiduguri Today

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that his government is ready to put more proactive and decisive measures in place in order to end the menace of Boko Haram.

The President gave this assurance when he paid a condolence visit to Maiduguri today. He however, maintained that a joint work between law enforcement agencies and the civil populace are critical towards in order to achieve the objectives.

Buhari said: “I assure you that improvement in security will be pursued vigorously. The military will work harder and strategise with tactics to deal with the insurgents. This is however not possible without good intelligence and cooperation with local community leaders.

The president noted that members of the Boko Haram sect cannot ome up to Maiduguri or environs without the local leadership knowing because traditionally, the local leadership is in charge of security in their own respective areas.

He further called on the leadership of various level to ensure that they work with law enforcement agencies in order to deny Boko Haram access to loyal citizens.

Buhari added that “We will do our best and I hope history will be kind to us; to recall what was on the ground when we came and what will be on the ground when we leave,”

During his visit, President Muhammadu, was at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Abubakar Ibn Umar Gabai, accompanied by the state Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, sympathised with him and other victims of the attack, prayed for the repose of the soul of the victims.

In his remarks, Governor Zulum thanked the President for identifying with the state in these trying times. He praised the efforts of the military so far, wondering why some people would be comparing the security situation now with what obtained before the Buhari administration came on board:

“Roads were closed, there were sporadic bombings everywhere even within the metropolis. Close to 20 local government areas were under Boko Haram. We are surprised that there seems to be resurgence in 2019.”

He tasked the military to borrow from their successes especially between 2015 and 2017, take the battle to the insurgents and push them to the fringes of Lake Chad.