As peace returns, troops embark on sanitation Eexercise in Maiduguri

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has said that government will re-introduce the Saturday weekly “Sanitation and Fumigation” exercise in Maiduguri metropolis, as peace gradually returns to the state capital.

Shettima disclosed this yesterday during the Nigerian Army Day ceremony organised by troops of 7 Division to clean up the central market and its environs to mark the event in Maiduguri.

The Governor, who was represented by Borno State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Kaka Shehu Lawan, said the sanitation exercise has not been conducted for over six years because of Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

He said: “For the last six or seven years, this market has not been cleaned and fumigated, until this morning, when troops of the 7 Division cleaned the market to mark the Nigerian Army celebration on the streets and roads leading to the market built in the early 1980’s.

“We also thank the military for not only fighting Boko Haram insurgents, but for also cleaning the General Post Office Areas and Baban Layi that links to Dandal Way up to Shehu’s palace.

“I urge residents of Maiduguri and traders to sustain the sanitation and cleanup exercise launched by the Nigerian Army, as the state government will reintroduce the weekly Saturday sanitation exercise that keeps our environment clean and tidy, with peace gradually returning to this state capital of Borno.”

Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 7 Division of Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, who flagged off the exercise yesterday morning said: “This cleanup and sweeping of the market and its environs indicates that Boko Haram insurgents have been weakened with return of peace to Borno State.

“Today, as part of activities to mark our Army Day Celebration in 2016, we decided to come and sweep the Monday Market. It is a sign that peace has returned to Maiduguri and we are winning the war against insurgents in the Northeast.”