Kamuku Forest: Governors Extends JTF Operation
Kamuku Forest: Governors Extends JTF Operation
By Alex Uangbaoje
As the deadline for operation of the Joint Task Force (JTF) around the dreaded Kamuku forest winds down, the governors of the bordering states of the forest said there’s need to extend the operation as there are lots more to be achieved.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna after a meeting with security chiefs of the seven state surrounding the forest, the governors of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano and Sokoto States observed that criminal activities in the area has not been eliminated but noted that the operation has recorded it mandate as every operation has it challenges.
Katsina state governor, Aminu Bello Masari who spoke on behalf of the governors said “going into the forest during rainy season will be a bit difficult, now that the rains are rescinding we should expect more action.”
He said because the forest extends from Senegal up to Central Africa Republic that that is why there are period attacks, adding “this has been dealt with and we are dealing with the situation.”
Masari said the issue of education and poverty alleviation was a vital part of the agenda of the meeting, noting that they are currently looking at the almajiri programme recommended by the Kano state government and will soon come up with a stand.
It could be recalled that the governors had met some time in June this year to brainstorm with a view to fashioning out a coordinated approach in tackling the security threats posed by criminals who uses the Kamuku forest as their hiding place.
