Boko Haram War Has Assumed a Dangerous Dimension, Says SGF
Boko Haram War Has Assumed a Dangerous Dimension, Says SGF
This Day, 05 Feb 2016
URL: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/boko-haram-war-has-assumed-a-dangerous-dimension-says-sgf/231130/
Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, on Thursday said the war against Boko Haram terrorists had assumed a dangerous dimension that would require the collective efforts and vigilance of all Nigerians.
Lawal made this comment while leading a federal government delegation of three ministers to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to condole with the people and government of the state over the weekend attack on Dalori where 65 persons were reportedly killed.
The SGF said the insurgents have graduated from capturing communities and holding on to territories to the use of suicide bombers against the people, targeting higher casualties.
“When Boko Haram started, they were in the habit of capturing and holding on to territories because the past government allowed it. Now they have moved to using explosive devices on soft targets because of the heat on them by our military troops.
“This is a dangerous trend. In this place of battle with the insurgents, we may need to change our tactics,” he said during a courtesy visit to the state Governor, Kashim Shettima.
Lawal disclosed that he was directed by the president to visit the state along with the Minister of State for Works, Power and Housing, Hon Mustapha Shehuri; his foreign affairs (state) Hon Khadija Abba Ibrahim and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, to sympathise with the government and the affected people.
He said the visit would also afford them the opportunity of assessing the extent of destruction and humanitarian challenges for the federal government to take appropriate action.
The SFG described the visit as unfortunate, noting that it was the second time he would be leading a federal government team to the state over Boko Haram attacks.
Lawal, who was at Dalori village at the outskirts of Maiduguri to console the victims of the attack, said it was time to be more vigilant.
He said: “Now, what we have at hand is that these terrorists have adopted the use of explosives to attack; this means the battle against Boko Haram is no longer for the military but for all of us.”
The state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Durkwa, who received the government delegation on behalf of the governor, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern for the state and North-east states affected by insurgency.
He promised that the state would continue to work hand in hand with the presidency in tackling the Boko Haram challenges and other humanitarian issues created by the insurgency.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, on Thursday said the war against Boko Haram terrorists had assumed a dangerous dimension that would require the collective efforts and vigilance of all Nigerians.
Lawal made this comment while leading a federal government delegation of three ministers to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to condole with the people and government of the state over the weekend attack on Dalori where 65 persons were reportedly killed.
The SGF said the insurgents have graduated from capturing communities and holding on to territories to the use of suicide bombers against the people, targeting higher casualties.
“When Boko Haram started, they were in the habit of capturing and holding on to territories because the past government allowed it. Now they have moved to using explosive devices on soft targets because of the heat on them by our military troops.
“This is a dangerous trend. In this place of battle with the insurgents, we may need to change our tactics,” he said during a courtesy visit to the state Governor, Kashim Shettima.
Lawal disclosed that he was directed by the president to visit the state along with the Minister of State for Works, Power and Housing, Hon Mustapha Shehuri; his foreign affairs (state) Hon Khadija Abba Ibrahim and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, to sympathise with the government and the affected people.
He said the visit would also afford them the opportunity of assessing the extent of destruction and humanitarian challenges for the federal government to take appropriate action.
The SFG described the visit as unfortunate, noting that it was the second time he would be leading a federal government team to the state over Boko Haram attacks.
Lawal, who was at Dalori village at the outskirts of Maiduguri to console the victims of the attack, said it was time to be more vigilant.
He said: “Now, what we have at hand is that these terrorists have adopted the use of explosives to attack; this means the battle against Boko Haram is no longer for the military but for all of us.”
The state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Durkwa, who received the government delegation on behalf of the governor, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern for the state and North-east states affected by insurgency.
He promised that the state would continue to work hand in hand with the presidency in tackling the Boko Haram challenges and other humanitarian issues created by the insurgency.