Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has urged for intensified interventions to address the ongoing insurgency in the state, particularly in light of the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings.
Zulum expressed concern that Boko Haram has been increasingly attacking communities almost daily, with minimal confrontation from security forces.
He made these remarks during a Special Expanded Security Meeting (ESM) held in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Tuesday. The meeting brought together prominent security officials, including the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, various sector commanders, the Commissioner of Police, and heads of other security agencies. Traditional rulers, such as the Shehu of Borno, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, and Shehu of Bama, also attended, while other emirs and shehus were represented.
Governor Zulum noted with concern that recent developments indicate that Borno State is losing ground in the fight against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. While acknowledging the relative peace that had been achieved over the past three years, thanks to his administration’s strong support for military and security efforts, Zulum pointed out that recent attacks, including the dislodgement of military formations in areas such as Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza, were deeply troubling. These attacks, along with the killings of innocent civilians and security personnel, signal a setback in the fragile stability of both Borno and the broader North East region.
Despite the setbacks, Governor Zulum commended the federal government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their ongoing support in the fight against Boko Haram. He stressed, however, that more needs to be done to address the threat, calling for the military to be better equipped with advanced technology and enhanced warfare capabilities to counter the growing wave of attacks in the Sahelian region of Borno, which shares borders with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
“In light of the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings, which have become almost a daily occurrence, it is clear that Borno State is losing ground,” Zulum said. “While we have supported the military and security agencies in achieving relative peace over the past three years, the recent events in areas like Wajirko and Sabon Gari are alarming and mark a serious setback for our region. We need more robust measures, including technological warfare, to tackle this challenge effectively.”
Boko Haram Controls Three Local Government Areas
The Shehu of Borno, representing the traditional rulers, also addressed the meeting. He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies but highlighted that Boko Haram still maintains control over key areas, specifically Guzamala, Marte, Abadam, and parts of Mobbar local government areas. He emphasized that these communities lack any civil authority or governance, further complicating the security situation.
The Shehu appealed to the federal government to prioritize the reconstruction of critical infrastructure in the state, particularly the Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa, and Biu-Damaturu federal roads, which have deteriorated significantly over the years. The state’s security situation, he noted, is exacerbated by the poor condition of these vital routes, which hampers both military operations and the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected communities.
Governor Zulum’s call for increased intervention underscores the escalating challenges faced by Borno State in the fight against Boko Haram. With critical areas still under insurgent control and daily attacks disrupting civilian life, the need for comprehensive and technologically enhanced security measures has never been more urgent. The federal government’s support remains pivotal, but as Governor Zulum pointed out, more decisive actions must be taken to secure lasting peace in the region.
