Insecurity: Governors Extend JTF Operation in Kamuku Forest
By; Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna.
As the deadline for operation of the Joint Task Force (JTF) around the dreaded Kamuku forest winds down, the governors of the bordering states said there’s need to extend the operation as there are lots more to be achieved.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna after a meeting with security chiefs of the seven state bordering the forest, the Governors of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano and Sokoto States observed that criminal activities in the area has not been eliminated but noted that the operation has recorded it mandate as every operation has its challenges.
“Going into the forest during rainy season will be a bit difficult. Now that the rains are rescinding we should expect more action” Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari who spoke on behalf of the governors said.
He explained that because the forest extends from Senegal up to Central Africa Republic, there are periodic attacks, adding that “this has been dealt with and we are dealing with the situation”
Masari said the issue of education and poverty alleviation was a vital part of the agenda of the meeting, noting that they are currently looking at the almajiri programme recommended by the Kano State Government and they will soon come up with a stand.
It could be recalled that the governors met in June this year to brainstorm with a view to fashioning out a coordinated approach in tackling the security threats posed by criminals and cattle rustlers who use the Kamuku forest as their hiding outs.
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