The Nigerian Army has restated its commitment to sustain a robust security mechanism in Borno State.
The General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Waidi Shaibu gave the assurance when a delegation from the Chadian and Maiduguri Cow Dealers’ Association (CMCDA) paid him a courtesy visit at Headquarters 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State
In his remarks, the Association’s Chairman, Hamdan Idris, appreciated and lauded the concerted efforts of 7 Division in the re-opening of the Gamboru – Ngala cattle market, a development which had enabled economic activities to thrive once more in the state
Idris stated that this development informed the courtesy visit, to extend the Association’s appreciation to the GOC and indeed to the Nigerian Army at large for the current security situation in the State.
He then assured the GOC of the readiness of the Association and its members to remain law-abiding in their dealings, promising to work with the Army and other security agencies in exposing criminals in their midst.
The GOC appreciated the delegation for the visit, assuring them that the Division would not relent in its efforts at providing adequate security within its Area of Responsibility.
He attributed the reopening of the Cattle market to the concerted efforts of the Borno State Government, the military, sister security agencies, and other stakeholders, and vowed that the Division would sustain its current operational activities in order to enhance economic development in the State.
General Shaibu maintained that troops would continue to dominate all critical and vulnerable points, to the end of ensuring a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
He called for the provision of timely and actionable intelligence on the activities of criminal elements within the cattle-rearing community and therefore charged the Association to sensitize its members on the need to tackle the scourge of cattle theft and smuggling, ammunition smuggling and other vices by criminals, masquerading as cattle dealers.
General Shaibu urged them to be circumspect in their dealings with farmers, in order to prevent the infamous farmers-herders clashes which had also negatively affected the economy of the State.
Centre For Control Of Small Arms lauds 7 Division
In another development, the National Coordinator (NC), the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Abba Dikko has commended the Nigerian Army for its support and collaboration in containing the influx of small arms and light weapons into Nigeria.
Dikko gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Waidi Shaibu at Headquarters 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State
He applauded the Nigerian Army for its commitment and diligence in helping the Centre rid the nation of small arms and light weapons through robust collaborative efforts, mutual synergy and proactive intelligence gathering.
The National Coordinator equally appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for the approval of land within the Cantonment for the construction of a facility for the Centre.
He revealed that the facility, which would be constructed by a reputable organization, would be capable of weapons construction and repairs, as well as reconstruction of damaged weapons, amongst others while revealing that the Centre was currently scouting for talented artisans and craftsmen who would be empowered and absolved into the Center, in varying capacities.
The General Officer Commanding 7 Division, appreciated the team for the visit and assured the delegation that the Division would fully cooperate with the Center to achieve its mandate in curtailing the influx of small arms and light weapons into the Country.
This, he revealed would also impact positively the military’s efforts at decisively curtailing the ongoing insurgency.
General Shaibu disclosed that it was glaring to critical observers that the ongoing insurgency in the north east was partly fanned by the prevalence of small arms and light weapons in the region, occasioned by the numerous porous borders with neighbouring countries.
He further stated that these porous borders, had several routes and pathways, some of which even stretched all the way up to the Central African Republic, aiding the activities of criminals who dealt in the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
The GOC emphasized that small arms remained a critical factor in armed conflict, the displacement of people, and acts of terrorism, thereby undermining peace, reconciliation, safety, security, stability and sustainable social and economic development, as outlined in the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development.
He however assured them that the Division was always ready, committed and fully focused on supporting the Centre in any capacity required.
PIAK
