The President directs security agencies to intensify operations as Borno resettles over two million displaced residents and prepares to reopen the Maiduguri–Biu road.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, that the Federal Government will intensify efforts to rescue children abducted by terrorists in Askira-Uba Local Government Area and other parts of the state.
Tinubu gave the assurance during a meeting with Zulum at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, following concerns raised by the governor over recent terrorist attacks and the abduction of children in Lassa, Mussa and neighbouring communities.
Zulum disclosed this while briefing journalists after the meeting, saying the President had directed relevant security agencies to strengthen operations to secure the release of the victims.
According to the governor, the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and Office of the National Security Adviser will take necessary measures to address security challenges and protect vulnerable communities.
Zulum said the security situation in Borno State had improved considerably over the past six months, allowing the government to accelerate the resettlement of residents displaced by years of insurgency.
He disclosed that more than two million internally displaced persons had returned to their ancestral communities over the past seven years, while efforts were continuing to restore security in other affected areas.
The governor said the state government was also working with military authorities to facilitate the resettlement of Kareto, a strategically important community along the Gubio–Damasak highway that remains vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
He explained that Kareto's location makes it crucial to security operations along the approximately 100-kilometre corridor.
Zulum added that the Chief of Army Staff had approved measures to improve security in the area, including the establishment of a military formation to strengthen surveillance and prevent further attacks.
According to him, a permanent military presence in Kareto would help secure the route and encourage displaced residents to return to their homes.
Borno Plans to Reopen Maiduguri–Biu Road
The governor also announced plans to reopen the Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu road, which has remained largely inaccessible because of insecurity.
He said motorists travelling between Maiduguri and Biu currently cover approximately 600 to 700 kilometres through alternative routes in neighbouring Gombe State, instead of the direct journey of about 200 kilometres.
To strengthen security along the corridor, the state government is making arrangements to train and deploy approximately 1,000 forest guards to support military operations.
Zulum expressed optimism that the personnel would be deployed by November or December, paving the way for the road's reopening.
He also disclosed that plans were underway to restore Sabon Gari community as part of broader efforts to improve security and facilitate the return of residents.
NNPCL Set to Resume Oil Exploration in Borno
On the economic front, Zulum said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had indicated its readiness to resume oil exploration activities in Borno State and other parts of the North-East.
According to the governor, the company's Frontier Exploration Services division had communicated its plans to the affected state governments, raising hopes that activities suspended because of logistical challenges would soon restart.
He said preparations were underway to resume exploration following a suspension that had lasted between one and two years.
Zulum expressed confidence that renewed oil exploration, improved security and ongoing reconstruction projects would contribute to Borno State's economic recovery after years of insurgency.
The governor added that the government's priorities remained the rescue of abducted children, restoration of security, resettlement of displaced communities and reopening of critical transport routes.
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