We should consider setting up regional security outfit, Gov. Zulum tells North-East govs

 

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, says governors of the north-eastern states should consider setting up a regional security outfit to tackle the insecurity in the region.

 

Zulum made the suggestion at the North-east Governors Forum meeting which was held in Bauchi on Wednesday.

 

The governor, who called on the government to seek support from neighbouring countries, accused it of not being committed to exploring all the options available to fight insecurity.

 

It said if and when the outfit is established, it will be done in consultation with the military and the police.

He added that the vigilante groups and civilian joint task force from the states in the region would serve as the basis for the outfit.

 

“Furthermore, the Federal Government has to look at the possibility of involving the mercenaries because it seems the commitment is not there. Therefore, for us to end this insurgency, we must be committed enough, we must bring in external support and hire mercenaries to end this insurgency,” Zulum said.

 

“On our part, in addition to the logical, logistical and financial support we have been rendering to the armed forces in their fight against general insecurity in the sub-region, we should also look into the possibility of forming a security outfit within the ambit of constitutional precedence and operational feasibility as has been done in other parts of the country.

“If, and when we decide on a regional security outfit, the vigilante groups and Civilian JTFs in our respective states may form the basis for the outfit,

 

“However, such arrangements have to be done in consultations with the Nigerian military and police force.”

 

The south-west pioneered the establishment of a regional outfit when it set up Amotekun.

 

The region, however, agreed on it being converted to a state-based outfit after consulting with the federal government.

The south-south states have also announced their intention to set up theirs.