President Goodluck Jonathan has paid a surprise visit to Maiduguri, Borno State capital, the center of the Boko Haram terror attacks, assuring Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that the military will soon recapture the 10 Local Governments under the control of Boko Haram.
"With the briefings by the Service Chiefs, 10 Local Governments of the state currently under the control of Boko Haram will soon be recaptured by the Nigerian military
"I assure you that we will take over the towns and communities and you will soon go back to your various communities", the President said while visiting IDPs camped at the Teachers Village in Maiduguri.
The President embarked on the trip after laying wreaths to mark the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja.
He promised them that the Federal Government will strive to make their stay in the camps more comfortable while it continues to do all within its powers to restore peace and security to enable them return to their homes soon.
"Terrorism and insurgency have been very traumatic for all of us. I feel particularly disturbed when I hear of our people being displaced within their own country.
"I assure you and other displaced persons that Government is working very hard to ensure that you do not remain in these camps for too long.
"I know that many of your houses have been destroyed. We will assist you financially so that you can rebuild your homes and return to them gradually", President Jonathan told the displaced persons.
The President, who addressed officers and men of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army at the Maimalari Cantonment, expressed happiness that the military is now better equipped to counter the terrorism bedeviling the northeast states.
"The Nigerian military is better off in terms of equipment than it was in the past and we will continue to do our best to ensure the armed forces are better equipped", the President assured.
He poured encomiums on security forces for their loyalty, dedication and sacrifice, maintaining that terrorism is a global phenomenon and his administration is working day and night to curtail it.
"We will assist you to succeed in your effort. We will give you what is due to you. Government will make sure you get it. We appreciate your dutiful service, loyalty and commitment", he said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Keneth Minimah said the President was also at the military base to interact with officers involved in the counter insurgency operation, stressing that the visit is symbolic being the day for remembering fallen heroes.
He also charged local, state and federal government officials to work with greater harmony and cooperation in rendering support to the displaced persons.
"I do not want to be hearing conflicting reports on support being given to them. Government is one and we must all work together to assist our people whenever the need arises.
"We must cooperate maximally and work together at the local government, state and federal levels to ensure that our people who are unfortunately displaced from their homes get the best possible treatment', President Jonathan said.
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