By Our Correspondent
President Muhammadu Buhari has implored security agencies to take the fight to terrorists’ hideouts and “completely eliminate them”.
The president made this call at an event to commemorate World Humanitarian Day in Maiduguri, Borno state capital.
Borno has been the epicentre of humanitarian crisis since the Boko Haram insurgency began.
Buhari who commended the security operatives for their efforts asked that they should ensure security of farmers in order to secure the development of rural communities.
“The men and officers of operation Lafiya Dole, security agencies and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), are very much appreciated for their commitment to the fight against insurgency,” he said.
“I commend their professionalism and tactical penetration to the hideout of the criminal elements, leading to appreciable improvement of the security situation in this north-east region, without which the resettlement of the IDP’s would not be possible.
“I, therefore, implore you not to relent in your efforts, continue to take the fight to their hideouts and ensure they are completely eliminated.”
The president also directed the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development to address threats posed by explosive remnants in the north-east region.
He asked the ministry to pay particular attention to emerging issues amid the return and rehabilitation of Nigerians displaced in the 13-year conflict and insurgency in the region.
He said that the government is committed to reducing the effect of disasters, climate change, insurgency and challenges of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
“The emerging issues include the increasing number of orphans and widows. From our experience in the unfortunate Civil War, I know the threat that unexploded ordnances can pose to returnees even after the conflict has ended as we saw in the latest IED incident in Bama just last week. I urge the ministry and its agencies as well as state governments and the special committee I have set up under the chairmanship of the vice-president to come up with specific programmes and projects,” he said.
Buhari also commended all humanitarian aid workers that provide assistance to people affected by conflicts globally.
He acknowledged their “courage, commitment and drive” to help their fellow humans in need – often at extreme personal risks.
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