The Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, embarked on a visit to the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari following a recent insurgent attack that resulted in casualties among the Nigerian Army personnel. The visit served as a platform for the governor to express his condolences to the affected families and reiterate his administration’s commitment to supporting the military in their fight against insurgency. Governor Buni’s presence underscored the importance of collaboration and solidarity between the government and the armed forces in maintaining peace and security within the state.
During his visit to the Brigade, Governor Buni vehemently condemned the resurgence of insurgency and offered words of solace to the officers and men of the 27 Task Force Brigade, acknowledging their sacrifice in defending the nation. He declared the soldiers’ deaths as not in vain, emphasizing their bravery in protecting their homeland. As a tangible demonstration of his support, Governor Buni announced financial assistance to the families of the fallen heroes, with N2 million allocated to each bereaved family and N1 million to those who sustained injuries. Further, he pledged to provide educational support to the children of the deceased soldiers, ensuring their future well-being. This gesture reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing and honoring the sacrifices made by security personnel and their families.
In addition to the individual support for the families, Governor Buni provided substantial assistance to the troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, donating N50 million along with essential supplies such as foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets, and other necessary items. This donation underscores the government’s commitment to equipping the military with the resources required for their operations and improving their welfare. Furthermore, Governor Buni directed the reinforcement of security around the Brigade, demonstrating his proactive approach to safeguarding the military personnel against future attacks. He assured the army of the state government’s unwavering support in their fight against insurgency, emphasizing their collaborative efforts in enhancing security measures around military formations.
The Brigade Commander, General Usman Ahmed, expressed his gratitude to Governor Buni for his concern and unwavering support for the soldiers. This mutual appreciation highlights the collaborative spirit between the government and the military in addressing security challenges. Prior to Governor Buni’s visit to the Brigade, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, had met with the governor at the Government House in Damaturu. During their meeting, the Chief of Army Staff assured Governor Buni of the army’s commitment to deploying additional troops and equipment to Yobe State to enhance security measures. Lieutenant General Yahaya emphasized the importance of public cooperation in providing credible information to aid in combating security threats, highlighting the collective responsibility in addressing such challenges. He stressed the need for a united front against the scourge of insurgency, vowing not to allow the hard-won peace in Yobe State to be eroded.
Governor Buni reciprocated the Chief of Army Staff’s sentiments by commending the military for its resilience and commitment to the fight against banditry and all forms of terrorism. He recognized the military’s efforts in maintaining peace and security within the state. This visit by the Chief of Army Staff to the Yobe State Governor demonstrates the high-level coordination and collaboration between the federal and state governments in addressing security concerns. The visit by Governor Buni to the 27 Task Force Brigade occurred two days after Brigadier General Martins, the newly appointed Commander of Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI, paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House.
During Brigadier General Martins’ visit, Governor Buni emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Air Force in combating terrorism and other criminal activities. He reiterated his commitment to providing continuous support to the army and other security agencies in their fight against terrorism. Governor Buni stressed the shared responsibility of security, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in ensuring the success of the fight against terrorism and maintaining peace and stability within the state. This series of high-level visits and exchanges underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation, government support, and community engagement in tackling security challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence within Yobe State.