Zulum commends Army’s response to extortion allegation, explains why he cried out

The governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum has expressed satisfaction with the manner Nigeria Army responded to the allegation of bribe taking by its personnel.

The governor had on Monday accused some soldiers at Njimtilo check-point, outskirts of Maiduguri, of collecting bribes of N1000 and N500 from travellers who were not in possession of national identity cards.

In a quick response, the army in a statement Monday night by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, Coordinator of the Army’s Media Operations, assured it would investigate the allegation.

Responding in a statement in a statement by his spokesman, Isa Gusau, the governor commended the Army for their response and said that the force deserved his full support.

The statement read:

“Governor Zulum is very pleased with the swift action from the Army Headquarters and by implication, Headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole. The decision to immediately investigate some conducts around Njimtilo in the course of (the absolute necessity to search vehicles for security purpose) only reaffirms what all Nigerians already do of the exceptional leadership style of the Chief of Army Staff, leadership of the theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and many officers and men that have given so much in trying to find peace in Borno.

“Governor Zulum’s encounter with security officials around Njimtilo yesterday happened spontaneously. He was on his way to Jakana to meet citizens over a recent attack by insurgents. Going to Jakana required the Governor’s convoy passing through Njimtilo. As someone who took oath to serve the people of Borno State under every situation, he could not drive pass the gridlock he saw around Njimtilo, hence he needed to step in”

“Nevertheless, yesterday’s encounter does not and will not change the very high regard the Governor has for all the security personnel operating in Borno, particularly soldiers who give up their lives and safety in finding peace for Borno. Zulum acknowledges and respects the sacrifices of these soldiers and the fact that they put their lives on the line operating in high ways, where insurgents try to ambush them.

READ ALSO: ALLEGATIONS OF EXTORTION: Army quietly cautions Borno Gov over his outcry

“The Governor recognizes all of these and the fact that the military needs and deserves his support and the support of all citizens.

“However, he also knows that civil-military cooperation will be better enhanced when certain conducts of few are addressed in other to preserve and protect the integrity of majority of security personnel who not only do the right things but make the ultimate sacrifices of giving up their lives for Borno citizens while others abandon their families for months and years fighting at the front lines”.

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