Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, says people of Northern Borno and Yobe will soon go back to their respective communities and commence farming activities for this year.
Buratai stated this during the inauguration of Gelengu community water project in Balanga Local government area, Gombe state on Monday.
He said that army would soon commence operation in the areas to enable the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to relocate to the areas.
“We are planning for the major exercise, called Operation Last Call in Northern Borno and parts of Yobe State.
“We know the importance of agriculture in the life of ordinary citizens. We want to ensure that by the time we move into northern Borno very soon people will return to their homes, resettle and commence agricultural activity for this year’s rainy season,” he said.
He solicited the support of people of Borno and the entire north east toward the success of the operation.
According to him, very soon they will commission the vehicle for the operation and deploy personnel who will take the IDPs to their respective homes.
Buratai said that the water project was part of civil military-relation project for the community to have water supply apart from ensuring security of lives and properties.
“We equally have such projects in Imo, Delta, Edo and Enugu states, so today’s project is not the first that we have done across the country.
“Apart from protecting your life, we also provide you what will sustain your life in this case the water project in Gelengu is quite unique,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of the state thanked the Nigeria Army for executing the project in the state.
Dankwambo, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Charles Iliya, said the project would directly touch the lives of the people in the area.
He also commended Nigerian Army for their effort of ensuring security in the north and the country at large.
Mr Bakari Keletuma, the council chairman, said the project had complemented government effort in providing water for the people in the area and strengthen the relationship between Nigeria Army and the civilians.
He assured tha, the council would sustain the project for the benefit of people in the area
