President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration has degraded the capacity of the Boko Haram insurgency leading to the release of 106 Chibok and 104 Dapchi girls, and over 16,000 other persons held by the insurgents.

President Buhari stated this in a broadcast to mark the 19^th year of Nigeria’s nascent democracy and the 3^rd Anniversary of his administration in Abuja on Tuesday.

He observed that before the inception of current administration three years ago, Boko Haram had held large areas of land spanning several Local Governments in the North East region.

He however noted the re-establishment of authority of government in all the areas hitherto controlled by the insurgents in the North east.

According to him, his administration is pained over the grievous loss of lives and properties occasioned by the carnage of insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country.

He assured Nigerians that government would not rest until all criminal elements and their sponsors were brought to justice.

He revealed that government was boosting the capacity of the security agencies through recruitment of more personnel, training and procurement of modern equipment, enhancement of intelligence gathering as well as boosting their morale in the face of daunting challenges.

On the conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), President Buhari disclosed that the Federal Government had improved the mechanism for the distribution of basic aid, foods and essential commodities using various strategies in collaboration with local and international organizations at the IDPs camps.

“In order to minimize the impact of the insurgency on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), government has established secure IDP Camps and has improved the mechanism for the distribution of basic aid, foods and essential commodities using various strategies in collaboration with local and international organisations.

“Efforts are in process for resettlement of IDPs in their home communities by providing schools, hospitals, clinics, water and sanitation to facilitate a quick return to economic activities. Government is similarly implementing de-radicalization and rehabilitation programmes to facilitate sustainable peace and development,’’ he said.

The president, however, frowned at unfortunate incidences of kidnappings, herdsmen and farmers clashes in several communities which he said had led to high number of fatalities and loss of properties across the country.

He reassured that the security challenges were being addressed and the identified culprits and their sponsors shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.

According to the President, all the three tiers of government are presently engaged with communities and religious organizations to restore peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

He commended members of the Multinational Joint Task Force drawn from Niger, Benin, Chad, Cameroon and Nigerian security agencies in collaboration with the International Community who were assisting in the fight against insurgency in the North East.

“I also commend the gallantry of members of our Armed Forces and other security agencies that have continued to provide security for lives and properties across the country.

The president also noted that State and Local traditional authorities had been helping with much needed intelligence in the fight against insurgency in the country.

The president also noted that Niger Delta region had enjoyed relative peace through social inclusiveness and cooperation of the “elders and the good people of the region.’’

He maintained that his administration was committed to implementing the comprehensive peace, security and development plan for the region.

“The environmental clean-up of the region which commenced with the launch in Bodo, Ogoni in June, 2016 is progressing satisfactorily

“Furthermore farming assets are being revived and investors in cocoa and palm oil plantations are showing serious interest,’’ he said.(NAN)