In the last 11 years, 389 police officers have died fighting Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
Borno is one of the worst-affected states in the Northeast as Nigeria fights a decade-long insurgency that has killed and displaced many people.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) of Borno State, Abdu Umar stated during the inauguration of the newly constructed police station and barracks at Beneshiek, the headquarters of the state’s Kaga LGA, that 450 others were injured in the war against the insurgency.
According to the CP, the terrorists razed or destroyed over 24 police barracks and 30 stations, as well as several pieces of equipment.
“It would be recalled that at the height of the insurgency, precisely between 2011 and today, over 30 Police Stations/Formations and 24 Police Barracks were burnt or destroyed by insurgents,” he said.
“389 Policemen lost their lives, over 450 Policemen were injured while several crime-fighting equipment were carted away or burnt.
“The losses suffered by Borno State Police Command attracted numerous interventions amongst which we are witnessing one of such interventions today.”
Umar praised Governor Babagana Zulum’s efforts to rebuild some of the state’s vandalized police stations.
He also praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba-Alkali, for his efforts to create a pleasant working environment, emphasizing that the Borno State Police Command would ensure proper use of the facilities for maximum results.
Umar then appreciated donor and development organizations for their assistance in rebuilding destroyed police facilities.
The Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative, Victim Support Fund (VSF), Nigeria Police Trust Fund, North-East Development Commission (NEDC), North-East Regional Initiative (NERI), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and United Nations Development Programme are among the donor agencies, he added (UNDP).