By Lawrence Audu
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali has called for the support of traditional institutions to curb insurgency and violent extremism.
General Ali made the call when he visited the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi at his Palace in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The Theatre Commander stated that having taken over the command responsibility of OPHK on 28th January 2023, he deem it necessary to visit His Royal Highness so as to seek for his Royal Blessings and support of the traditional institution in order to win the hearts and minds of the locals in the ongoing Operations in the North East.
General Ali further mentioned that he is very much aware of the successes recorded by his predecessor through the support of the traditional institution and therefore requested for the same support in similar capacity.
Responding, the Shehu of Borno appreciated the step taken by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari for relocating the Military Command and Control Center (MCCC) from Abuja to Maiduguri. According to the Shehu, that singular act has brought about the restoration of peace and normalcy in Borno State and the entire North East. He also mentioned that it has also led to the Nigerian Military posting highly respected and responsible Generals to Command the Operations.
Finally, the Shehu of Borno assured the Theatre Commander OPHK of the maximum support and cooperation of Borno State Traditional Council. He disclosed that the doors of the palace are always open for the Theatre Commander for any support, cooperation and guidance.
Relatedly, In continuation of the familiarization visit to Heads of other Security Agencies in Borno State, the Theatre Commander, Major General IS Ali visited the State Command of the Nigerian Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). On arrival at his first point of visit, Major General Ibrahim Ali was warmly received by the State Commandant NSCDC Borno State Command, Commandant Musa Faruk Boyi. He thereafter visited the Sector Command of FRSC and was received by Corps Commander Utten I Boyi and finally proceeded to the State Command NDLEA where he was equally received by the State Commander NDLEA Borno State Command, Mr Joseph Icha.
Speaking to the security heads during his visit, Major General Ibrahim Ali in his words stated that “having assumed command as the Theatre Commander OPHK, I deem it necessary to visit and inform you of my determination to build on the already established cordial working relationship by my predecessor. Hence, we must make concerted efforts in order to consolidate on the Operational gains of the Theatre, he added.
In their respective responses, the various security Heads promised to accord the Theatre Commander all required support needed to defeat the marauding BHT/ISWAPs in Northeast Theatre of Operations. The Heads of other Security Agencies also pledged to cooperate with the Theatre Commander in sharing timely Intelligent information in order to degrade the Terrorist activities.