Borno residents beg FG to relocate Giwa barracks over incessant attacks

A Borno-based Community Group, Bale Galtimari Consultative Forum, has sent ‘save our soul’ (SOS) to the Federal Government to urgently relocate Giwa barracks in Maiduguri from residential area, citing frequent fears and attacks by terrorists which have posed significant threat to residents.

Speaking at a press briefing in Maiduguri on Sunday, Zanna Boguma, the Acting Chairman of the Forum, said relocating the barracks to outskirt of Maiduguri or any suitable location far from densely civilian populated area would prevent the tension that residents faced from many attacks conducted by insurgents with a view to freeing their detained colleagues in the barracks.

He recalled the recent massive explosions that rocked the city as a result of fire outbreaks near the Armoury at Giwa Barracks.

As you all are aware, Giwa barracks has over time become a repeated target of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents with significant incidents recorded in 2014, three attacks in 2015, and another in 2019, all aimed at freeing detained insurgents.

“Just recently, an explosion occured within the barracks, thankfully, no lives was lost. However, this incident underscores the grave risk faced daily by over a million residents living around the barracks”

While appreciating the presence of Military personnels in the State, he said such installations should not be positioned within a residential neighborhood, particularly, those housing vulnerable civilian population

“It is therefore in the interest of public safety and strategic military effectiveness that we call on the following: the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters, the National Security Adviser, the Executive Governor of Borno State and the Borno State House of Assembly to take urgent steps and practical steps to relocate Giwa barracks to the outskirt of Maiduguri or any suitable secure location far from dense civilian population”, they said.

The Group noted that despite many attempts over the years which prompted the calling for the relocation of the barracks, the Federal Government did not to respond as expected.

“We recall with appreciation the motion raised by Hon. Satomi Ahmad, the Honorable Member representing Jere Federal Constituency, before the National Assembly, calling for the relocation of Giwa barracks. While this motion was adopted by the House of Representatives, we are yet to see corresponding action,” he said

Zanna however stated that the call is not political, but driven by the need to protect lives, reduce civilian exposure to insurgent attacks and allow the Military to operate in a more controlled and secure environment.