The Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, has called for closer collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to fast-track successful implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign.
Nicholas made the call during a familiarisation visit to the Police Command in Borno on Wednesday.
He said that Operation Lafiya Dole was a joint operation to be implemented in partnership with the military, police and other
security agencies in the North East.
Nicholas noted that such collaboration was necessary to facilitate restoration of civil authorities in liberated communities by police
and other agencies as enshrined in the constitution.
“The counter-insurgency campaign is not a military business alone, it must comprise all stakeholders such as the police, Nigeria Security
and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration and Customs Services as well as Civilian Joint Task Force (CJFT).
“As far as we are concerned, no one is superior; everybody must be carried along to defeat Boko Haram. We are very committed to support
you to discharge your constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
Responding the Commissioner of Police, Mr Damian Chukwu, pledged to support the counter-insurgency operation and restoration of peace in the state.
Chukwu disclosed that the command had deployed over 500 personnel to the counter-insurgency operation.
“I am appealing to you to talk to soldiers who are always overzealous while working with policemen in the operation,” he said.
The commissioner expressed optimism that such collaboration would bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency.
Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Commander of the NSCDC in the state, called for truth and reconciliation committee to address remote causes of insurgency in the society.
Abdullahi also suggested for periodic meetings between security organisations to promote synergy and enhance security network in the
state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theatre commander visited headquarters of the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and NSCDC in Maiduguri.