The Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara and the Nigerian military have reopened the Bama- Banki road in Bama local government area after 9 years of closer due to the Boko Haram frequent activities.
Bama is one of the commercial base in Borno State which is linked to Cameroon and Central Africa.
Fight against the insurgents
The theatre commander of operations, “Hadin Kai”, Major General Christopher Musa and the Borno State Governor unveiled the road, and in his welcome remarks the Borno State Governorthanked the army for their relentless effort in the fight against the insurgents.
General Musa said reopening of roads and resettlement of IDPs by the present administration signifies the end of Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast.
Governor Zulum in his address, thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army for the success recorded so far in the fight against the insurgents.
Ensure safety
“I am very much impressed to witness the official reopening of this very important international road. This road has remained inaccessible to people since 2012 due to activities of Boko Haram, but with the coming of President Buhari and the security agencies have worked together to ensure safety is been returned,” he said.
The Governor donated 10 surveillance vehicles to aid the Nigerian Army in their security operations along the Bama Banki road as he warned against unnecessary extortion from motorist by security officials on the highway.
“As we were coming here today, I sighted some immigration personnel busy extorting our motorists along the Maiduguri-Bama-Banki junction, which is unacceptable. I want to strongly sound a warning, especially to Immigration personnel and other sister agencies to desist from extorting motorists and passengers,” he stated.
The governor further gave orders to arrest anyone engaged in smuggling of goods across the road, especially those who may want to smuggle food items through the bush to convey to criminals.
Lateefah Ibrahim
