How I Chased Shekau Out Of Niger State – Ex-Gov Aliyu

In a revelation at the 2023 annual public lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), former Niger State governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, asserted that he played a crucial role in driving out Boko Haram leaders Abubakar Shekau and Abu Qaqa from the state during his first term in office.

Aliyu explained that his proactive measures were essential to preventing Niger State from becoming a breeding ground for Boko Haram. He cited a security challenge involving a group of individuals in Mokwa local government, which he successfully dispersed with the support of the late President Musa Yar’adua.

The former governor emphasized the importance of addressing security challenges through proper planning and budgeting. He advocated for eradicating the alarming statistic of 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria and transforming the nation’s image as the global poverty capital.

During his tenure, Aliyu claimed to have compensated and transported the group to their destinations within Nigeria, averting a potential crisis for Niger State. He credited the federal government, particularly the late President Yar’adua, for supporting governors who take effective security measures.

Meanwhile, at the same event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, expressed optimism that the 2024 budget, once passed by the National Assembly, would usher in a transformative era aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Malagi also pledged support for the development of NIPR, of which he is a member.

The revelations by Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu shed light on the complex security dynamics faced by states in Nigeria and the role of proactive leadership in mitigating potential threats.