Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has voiced grave concerns over recent Boko Haram assaults on key military installations, warning that the state risks descending back into chaos.
The governor made this statement on Tuesday during an expanded Security Council Meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri.
“Numerous military locations have been compromised, notably in Wulgo, Sabongari, and Wajirko, among others. It appears we are losing ground, and this issue demands urgent discussion.
“Although peace has gradually returned to Borno over the last three years, we are now witnessing a resurgence of sporadic attacks,” he noted.
He called for the deployment of fighter helicopters and newly acquired drones to bolster military operations in the affected areas.
Zulum emphasized that the meeting was convened to hear candid assessments from key stakeholders, including traditional leaders and heads of security agencies in the state.
“While we commend the Nigerian military, police, DSS, and paramilitary forces for their efforts in maintaining law and order, we must also confront the truth; otherwise, all the progress we’ve made could turn out to be an illusion,” he stated.
As the Chairman of the Northeast Governors Forum, he urged the federal government to ensure that the northeastern region receives the attention it urgently needs.
“It seems the focus of the Nigerian Army and the federal Ministry of Defense is not on the northeast. Given the strategic importance of these states, we deserve prompt and adequate support.
“The Sahel region, and specifically Borno, is crucial in the fight against insurgency. Borno shares borders with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, which allows many foreign insurgents to infiltrate the state. If we do not take decisive action, turmoil may return. I believe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would not accept this reality. Now is the time for collaboration with the Nigerian Army to avert this crisis.”
He urged the Nigerian Army to go beyond establishing checkpoints and guarding towns to actively confronting insurgents.
“They must deny Boko Haram any opportunity to regroup, rearm, and launch attacks on our territory,” he added.
Zulum reassured that the state government’s resettlement plan is in full swing but stressed that it cannot succeed without robust security measures.
He pledged that the state government would continue to collaborate closely with the armed forces on development and peace-building initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, lamented that several local government areas remain under Boko Haram’s control.
“Three local governments are effectively no-go areas, particularly Abadam, where people fear to tread, as well as Marte and Guzamala, a significant town bordering Cameroon,” he reported.
The Shehu highlighted that the fragile peace in the state is further jeopardized by settlers masquerading as those seeking Islamic education or business opportunities.
“Our people have been forced into exile in neighboring countries to escape Boko Haram attacks,” he stated.
He also pointed out that many local government areas established since 1976 lack essential services like access roads and electricity.
He appealed to the federal government to prioritize the reconstruction of key roads: Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa, and Biu-Damaturu, all of which are in a severely dilapidated state.
Notable attendees included General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, sector commanders, the Commissioner of Police, heads of security agencies, as well as the Shehu of Borno and the Shehu of Bama, while the Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, and Gwoza were present; however, the Shehu of Dikwa and the Emir of Shani were absent.
