Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State in Northeast Nigeria , has stressed the importance of the Navy outpost in Baga for counter- insurgency operations in Lake Chad and revamping of fishing and farming activities in the area.
According to a statement published by the Navy on Monday, Oct. 25, Governor Zulum commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo for returning the Naval Base to the strategic town of Baga near the shores of Lake Chad.
He emphasised the importance of the maritime component to the success of the counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast.
In 2018, the Navy withdrew from the outpost located three kilometres from Baga, in an area called fish dam, situated along the canal which runs behind the abandoned school of fisheries, Baga town, Dogo Gowon before connecting with the Lake.
Zulum was said to have informed the Naval Chief during his visit to the Government House, Maiduguri that the return of Naval Base Lake Chad marked a new beginning and new lease of life for the people who are eager to return to their means of livelihood as fishermen and farmers.
On his part, the Chief of Naval Staff, told the Governor that his visit to Baga was to assess the Naval Base Lake Chad which relocated back to Baga.
“My visit, primarily, is to interact with the naval personnel and also have on the spot assessment of the Naval Base Lake Chad which has relocated back to Baga. So that I can have a better understanding of their welfare, assets and logistics requirements,” the Navy Chief was quoted to have said.
The government of Borno State has facilitated the return of displaced people back to their communities, after reconstruction and rehabilitation of facilities. In Sept. 2020, the government resettled at least 1,000 displaced persons in the fishing town of Baga in Kukawa Local Government.
In Aug. 2021, the governor was reported to have received over 5000 returnees to Cross Kauwa and Baga in Kukawa.
During his recent visit to the Navy outpost, the Navy Chief urged personnel to be extra vigilant and promised provision of operational assets and logistics to enable the Naval Base to function effectively.
