Boko Haram Hold Captive Relative Of New Nsa Monguno

Borno state governor Kashim Shettima disclosed that the family of Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno, the newly appointed national security adviser, got affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

Boko Haram Hold Captive Relative Of New Nsa Monguno

Babagana Mongun

Speaking on Tuesday, July 14, in Maiduguri, the politician said that one of Monguno’s family members is still being held captive, The Nation reports.

The governor, however, expressed optimism that terrorism would be defeated, following the military leadership handover to the new chiefs. Shettima believes that Nigeria has the best chances of defeating Boko Haram since 2009. He further narrated that the new military seniors had lived in the affected region and some of them even had their relatives killed by terrorists. The official is sure that these people are aware of the real security situation in the area.

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“Yesterday was the happiest moment of my life. President Muhammadu Buhari made a strong statement by his decision to appoint two highly competent sons of Borno to the offices of the National Security Adviser and the chief of army staff.

“I think his strategy was to get people with ancestral knowledge of the Borno terrain. Maj-Gen Tukur Buratai is even a direct victim of Boko Haram attacks. He lost family members when his residence was attacked earlier this year in Buratai, a town in Biu local government area.

“Monguno (town) was destroyed and once occupied by Boko Haram and that is where the new NSA, retired Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno, hails from. In fact, a key family member of General Monguno is still being held captive by Boko Haram insurgents.

“These two generals are from Borno; they know exactly where it pinches and, most importantly, they understand the terrain and can easily connect with communities to get local support.

“Added to them is also the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who hails from Bauchi, also in the Northeast. AVM Abubakar spent many of his formative years in the military here in Borno State. He has spent over 10 years in Borno; he knows the terrain very well also and connects with the people.

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“I think, for us, it is now or never because the President has generously put the sons of Borno and the Northeast to lead the battle for the freedom of Borno, the Northeast and rest of Nigeria, from the murderous threats of insurgents.

“Insha Allah, with the combined efforts of other competent service chiefs and all Nigerians, the war on terror will soon be won by the supremacy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Nigerians are striving for quick change in the security situation after the appointment of new service chiefs. The post-inauguration period was followed by increased number of Boko Haram attacks. Based on the horrifying estimates, more than 600 people have been killed since May 29.