The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has inaugurated a 25-man Inter-ministerial Committee on the planned handing over of areas liberated by the military from Boko Haram insurgents to civil law enforcement agencies.

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, inaugurated the committee at the ministry’s headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Your appointment into this very important committee was based on recognition and track records of service; you are all distinguished Nigerians, well respected in your various professions.

“As you are aware, the fight against insurgency and terrorism had reached a new phase after the terrorist activities have been significantly reduced.”

Dan-Ali said that most of the places occupied by the terrorists were now liberated, therefore, it was imperative to consolidate on the gains achieved by restoring civil authority in the liberated areas.

The minister expressed optimism that the committee would bring a new hope to the liberated areas.

“The committee is also expected to confirm the presence of law enforcement agencies at these locations and their capacity to protect civilians.”

The minister, however, urged them to be very fair and objective in discharging the national assignment, which he said, would no doubt touch the lives of millions of people in the affected areas.

According to him, the present administration is working hard to ensure that basic infrastructure is provided in the liberated areas.

This, he said, would enable security agencies to move in quickly and take over the liberated areas prior to the return of the people to their homes to continue with their normal lives.

“The Ministries of Defence and Interior are working together to ensure that all liberated areas are ready for occupation within the shortest possible time.”

He said that the Federal Government was concerned about the condition of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the country. The committee comprises 25 members.

Among them are: retired Maj.-Gen. Azgaku Umaru, Chairman, retired DIG Shettima Abdullahi, retired Capt. Aliyu Babangida and retired CP Muhammed Indabawa.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Azgaku Umaru, advised members of the committee to bring their experience to bear in the discharge of their assignment.

“With the caliber of members of the committee, I have no doubt in my mind that we are going to deliver on the mandate given to us by Federal Government.

“It is an honour finding us worthy enough to be given the opportunity to serve our fatherland. We will not disappoint the nation.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali.