NAN-DS-12
Base
Baga (Borno State), Oct. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has assured that the proposed Naval Base at the Lake Chad would consolidate Nigeria’s efforts in ending the Boko Haram insurgency.
Ibas gave the assurance on Wednesday while briefing newsmen after inspecting the site of the proposed base in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
He said that the Federal Government decided to establish the base in the area because of its strategic importance.
“I think that the decision was taken by the President because the lake stands at a strategic
location.
“You are aware that it provides means of communication for the four nations bordering the area.”
“You are also aware that inside the lake lies resources that might be of interest to the country.”
“But for us, I think our being there will help to consolidate our fight against terrorism and provide security for the post conflict recovery of the people.’’
Ibas said that his visit to the area was to get first class information on the establishment of the naval base, noting that “my visit to Borno is to personally appraise the ongoing operations to rid the nation of the Boko Haram terrorism.
“I also want to use the opportunity to assess the level of preparations for the induction of Naval forces in the base that we are establishing in the Lake Chad area.”
The Naval chief, however, lamented that the Boko Haram terrorists had destroyed almost all the infrastructure that would facilitate the take-off of the base in the area.
“The madness we had brought down almost all the infrastructure in the area.
“There is need to repair the communication facilities, the access road and other vital things in the area.
“Even government buildings there have been torn apart, this is not only a challenge for the people there but also a problem to the government as resources are scarce now.
“Putting those facilities back is our major challenge now.”
He said the location for the base needed access road, stressing that “we will also need electricity supply, you are aware that all communication facilities have been brought down, we need those things to settle down fast.
“All these are apart from the operational requirements which the Federal Government has provided for us.’’
He, however, expressed optimism that all the challenges would be tackled in the nearest future. (NAN)
ABI/FF/HA
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)