Extortion At Army Checkpoints: Borno Governor Talks Again

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has reacted to the decision of the Nigerian army to investigate his allegation that soldiers extort N1000 naira from motorists in the state.

Zulum had on Monday expressed outburst at the extortion spree of motorists, who could not present their National ID card on a checkpoint at the Maiduguri/Damaturu road in the state.  

The accusation made the authority of the Nigerian Army to issue a statement that an investigation had been approved into unravelling and punishing officials involved in the crime.

While reacting to the army’s decision to investigate the allegation, he commended their prompt intervention to get to the bottom of the matter.

Spokesman of the governor, Mallam Isa Gusau conveyed his boss applause to the army in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement said, “Governor Zulum is very pleased with the swift action from the Army Headquarters and by implication, Headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole.

“The decision to immediately investigate some conducts around Njimtilo in the course of (the absolute necessity to search vehicles for security purpose) only reaffirms what all Nigerians already do of the exceptional leadership style of the Chief of Army Staff, leadership of the theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and many officers and men that have given so much in trying to find peace in Borno.

“Governor Zulum’s encounter with security officials around Njimtilo yesterday (Monday) happened spontaneously. He was on his way to Jakana to meet citizens over a recent attack by insurgents.

“Going to Jakana required the Governor’s convoy passing through Njimtilo. As someone who took an oath to serve the people of Borno State under every situation, he could not drive past the gridlock he saw around Njimtilo, hence he needed to step in.

“Nevertheless, yesterday’s encounter does not and will not change the very high regard the Governor has for all the security personnel operating in Borno, particularly soldiers, who give up their lives and safety in finding peace for Borno.

“Zulum acknowledges and respects the sacrifices of these soldiers and the fact that they put their lives on the line operating in high ways, where insurgents try to ambush them.

“The Governor recognises all of these and the fact that the military needs and deserves his support and the support of all citizens.

“However, he also knows that civil-military cooperation will be better enhanced when certain conducts of few are addressed in other to preserve and protect the integrity of majority of security personnel who not only do the right things but make the ultimate sacrifices of giving up their lives for Borno citizens while others abandon their families for months and years fighting at the front lines.”