The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan believes the recent surrender of Boko Haram insurgents to Nigerian troops is a welcome development which should be encouraged.
Senator Lawan said this on Monday, weeks after the Nigerian Army confirmed that the insurgents are “surrendering in droves” following recent offensive operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East.
According to the Senate President, the development is a right step in the country’s bid to end the decade-long insurgency.
“The recent surrender by Boko Haram elements is a good development for the security of this country,” Lawan said when he paid condolence visits to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi who lost his elder brother; and a former Foreign Affairs minister, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe over his mother-in-law’s death.
“Personally, I believe that the Federal Government must work with the Borno State Government and other states in this part of the country [North-East] to ensure that those that have been received are appropriately processed.
“We must ensure that we encourage Boko Haram elements and those they have taken by force to come out to surrender so that this unnecessary insurgency placed on us comes to an end.”
Senator Lawan explained that the partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State will lead to the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
He stated that the Federal Government is devoting much resources to security agencies to end insecurity.
“Recently, the National Assembly approved over ₦800 billion for our security agencies in a supplementary budget and Mr President has assured us that he will bring more requests for more resources for our security agencies in the 2022 appropriation bill which may be presented at the end of September by the Grace of God,” the lawmaker added.
Lawan was accompanied by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
