Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, has raised the alarm over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Borno State, revealing that Boko Haram terrorists are effectively in control of several communities with no presence of civil authorities.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Ndume confirmed that the insurgents are not only operating freely but are also functioning as de facto administrators in some areas of the state.
When asked directly if Boko Haram had taken over governance in certain locations, he responded, “Yes, three,” identifying the affected areas as Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA), Marte, and Abadam. He added, “What we are saying is that there is no civil authority there, and the authority is Boko Haram.”
Pressed further on whether any form of civil administration remains in those areas, the senator responded bluntly: “None.”
Ndume’s revelation adds to growing concerns about Nigeria’s prolonged battle with insurgency, particularly in the North-East region, where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions have continued to stage attacks despite years of military operations.
The senator expressed frustration with the inadequate resources available to security forces, warning that the insurgency is not only persisting but spreading. His comments echoed recent warnings by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who has also expressed deep concern over the worsening security landscape in the state.
Just days prior, Governor Zulum lamented that Borno is losing its foothold in the fight against insurgents. “As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signaled that Borno State is losing ground,” Zulum had said.
Ndume, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a vocal advocate for better security intervention, supported the governor’s alarm, citing alarming statistics from recent months.
“From November last year till date, there have been over 250 attacks in the state, and somebody is saying we should ignore the governor,” he said, highlighting the magnitude of the crisis.
He also disclosed the grim human toll of the conflict during that period. “Over 100 soldiers have been killed, nearly 300 civilians have lost their lives, even though our gallant troops managed to neutralize about 800 of these terrorists,” Ndume added.
His statements underscore the urgent need for renewed strategy, stronger military support, and political will to reclaim communities still under terrorist control and restore civil governance in affected areas.
