Communities neighbouring army detention facility in Maiduguri seeks the relocation of the barracks out of the community
Giwa barracks is located between Galtimari, fori, and 122 Communities in Jere LGA of Borno State
At a gathering, some members of the communities decry the risk they are being exposed by living close to the detention facility.
This is coming a month after an explosion rocked the army armoury in Giwa Barracks, leading to the destruction of the armoury and other buildings within the area.
According to the Chairman of Galtimari Consultative forum, Mr Zannah Hassan Boguma, giwa Barracks has been a target for Boko Haram terrorists who have continually attacked the facility in an attempt to free their members
“Giwa Barracks has over time become a repeated target of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, with significant incidents recorded in 2014, three separate
attacks in 2015, and another in 2019, all aimed at freeing detained insurgents.
Just recently, an explosion occurred within the barrack sthankfully, no lives were
lost. However, this incident underscores the grave risk faced daily by over a
million residents living around the barracks. “
“Let it be made clear that we fully understand and support the need for strong military presence in our state; however, military installations of such strategic importance should not be located within residential neighborhoods, particularly those housing vulnerable civilian populations”. The statement reads.
Continuing, Zannah Boguma said,
“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 and the Nigerian Army
The National Security Adviser
The Executive Governor of Borno State
The Borno State House of Assembly
To take urgent and practical steps to relocate Giwa Barracks to the outskirts of
Maiduguri, or to any suitably secure location far removed from dense civilian
populations.
This call is not political. It is 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. “
The briefing concluded with the assurance that the communities will continue with the peaceful protest and advocacy until necessary action is taken.
