The pan-northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Friday alleged that the terrorist activities of Boko Haam are boosted by cooperation and support from within the military and other security agencies.
ACF, therefore, urged the Federal Government to carry out an internal scrutiny of its security apparatus and put in place measures that will boost the morale of the troops deployed to fight the insurgency and instill confidence in the people.
The organization in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting and signed by the Secretary General, Col. John Paul Ubah, admonished the military to constantly update Nigerians on efforts to rescue the abducted female students of Government Girls Secondary schools, Chibok, Borno State, to reduce fear and reassure the parents of the school girls.
The communiqué reads in part: “The forum deliberated extensively on the current National security challenges and in particular, the abduction of over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State and other issues of national interest.
“The forum expressed serious concern over the spate of killings of innocent people and wanton destruction of property by unknown gunmen and Boko Haram insurgents in most parts of the northern region. The forum therefore resolved to issue the following statement.
“Government should make concerted efforts to secure the release of the abducted female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State that were abducted by persons suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents since April 14.
“The military authorities should as a matter of urgent duty keep the nation abreast of efforts being made to rescue the kidnapped students in order to reduce the fears and concern of parents, relations and the entire citizenry.
“The security agencies should also open themselves to the intelligence being provided by the community on the alleged movement of the abducted students across our borders and seek support and cooperation of our neigbours to track down the abductors and their victims.
“It is strongly believed that without the support and cooperation from within the military and security circles, the insurgents would not have been succeeding so easily in their dastardly acts.
“ACF notes the concern of all Nigerians on this unfortunate abduction of female students and commends the various women organisations that trooped out in Maiduguri, Abuja and Kaduna and other places to express their anger and displeasure over the abduction of school girls”.
“The ACF urges the Federal Government to do an in-house search of its security apparatus and put in place measure that will boost the morale of the troops and inspire confidence of the people in the government”.
