*Thanks security agencies for maintaining peace through Yuletide
*Urges renewed focus, coordination on Kaduna-Abuja highway
*Commends Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna for stabilizing Zangon Kataf, Jema’a, Kaura
*Excited more Forward Operating Bases will be established in state
By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
Governor Of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani has has hinted that the state government is looking at establishing a Security Trust Fund in partnership with corporate organisations to enhance logistics support to security agencies.
He disclosed this in his opening remarks at the meeting of the Kaduna State Core Security Council Meeting with Traditional Rulers and Local Government Chairmen of Frontline Areas, today, January 15, 2024.
” The Kaduna State Government is looking at the possibility of establishing the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund as a means of collaborating with corporate organizations, the business community, industrialists, professional groups, individuals and all critical stakeholders towards enhancing material and logistic support to our security forces,” he said.
According to him, on the side of security agencies, and in light of the challenges they are confronting, it has become vital for them to further close ranks, rub minds and revisit our collaborative structures.
“Deepening and strengthening of human intelligence networks is an obvious area requiring urgent review, towards restoring peace and security along these critical highways, and to the troubled communities,” he added.
While welcoming all to rhe Kaduna State Security Council Meeting with Traditional Rulers and Local Government Chairmen of Frontline Areas. Traditional Rulers from areas of interest, he said that those attending the meeting, include, their Royal Highnesses, the Emir of Zazzau, Emir of Birnin Gwari, Etsu Chikun, Agom Kachia, the Chief of Kufana, Emir of Kauru and Chief of Dnata.
“We also have here the Chairmen of Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun and Kachia local government councils,” he added.
He thanked the security agencies for helping them maintain the peace all through the festive period and into the beginning of the year.
“The state enjoyed relative peace over this time, with the exception of the unfortunate incident at Tudun Biri, which was eventually managed with dexterity by our esteemed traditional and religious leaders, supported by security forces. We are deeply grateful for all the positive steps taken in that regard and in several other key areas,” he affirmed.
He explained that the purpose of this meeting is to brainstorm on the situations in certain areas of interest, notably Kauru, Kajuru, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Kachia, Kagarko and the Kaduna-Abuja Road.
“There was security on the Kaduna-Abuja Road for about 18 months, until the sudden unfortunate and disturbing attack and kidnapping. The recent occurrences on that axis clearly indicates the re-opening of a front on that route, and this points us strongly to the need for renewed focus and coordination,” he said.
Uba Sani pointed out that with the attacks on citizens and military personnel along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, and in the Birnin Gwari general area, bandits and terrorists have exploited gaps – particularly around Maganda, Kuyello and other villages surrounding Buruku, Udawa, Damba, Kuriga, Polewire and other flash points – to carry out ambushes on citizens, as well as security forces attempting to respond to distress calls.
He noted that Chikun, Giwa and Igabi have become areas of concern as well; from Maraban Rido and Kudendan axis in Chikun, Sauran Goma, Kerawa and Dunki areas of Igabi have also witnessed attacks and killings.
” I also followed the developments in Giwa from Kidandan, Kaya, Sabon Layi and Idasu” he added.
Governor Sani equally noted that the Kauru general area has equally witnessed a resurgence of deadly attacks and kidnappings in recent weeks around Dokan Karji stretching into Kajuru, and also Kachia from the Bishini general area.
“I have equally followed the operations in Kachia, Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Chikun and other locations. We commend the military and all the security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices,” he said.
He commended Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna for significantly stabilizing Zangon Kataf, Jema’a, and Kaura.
“The officers and men of Operation Safe Haven have helped immensely in containing recent threats to peace and safety,” he said.
The governor however, appealed to the military and the police to step up their presence in the Tudun Biri general area in view of threats arising from efforts to rebuild the community after the unfortunate incident of last year.
“Our administration is fully committed to the security and safety of the whole of Kaduna State, because security is the cornerstone for the realization of our SUSTAIN Agenda.
“I have been pursuing the deployment of more boots on the ground through more military formations. I am happy to inform you that very soon, there will be establishment of some Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the State. This move will greatly assist the expansion of our campaigns against terrorists and bandits in frontline locations.
“The Kaduna State Government is working with the Defence Headquarters towards actualizing these plans. I have directed the Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs to follow this process closely and provide me with regular reports on the establishment of the FOBs and other relevant issues which we are vigorously pursuing,” he revealed.
He was optimistic that It is my they will deliberate openly, extensively and productively, and proffer lasting solutions to these problems.
” I look forward to receiving your valuable contributions,” he said.
