Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings across several communities in the state, warning that the trend indicates the state is losing ground in the ongoing war against terrorism.
Speaking on Tuesday during a Special Expanded Security Meeting in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum said the recent developments are a major setback after three years of relative peace and progress in the fight against insurgency. The meeting was attended by the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, sector commanders, the Commissioner of Police, other heads of security agencies, and traditional rulers including the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, as well as the Emirs of Bama, Biu, Uba, Askira, and Gwoza. The Shehu of Dikwa and Emir of Shani were absent.
Governor Zulum, who has long been acknowledged for his hands-on approach to governance and security matters, did not mince words as he condemned the recent spate of violence that has seen military bases dislodged and innocent civilians killed.
“As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on daily basis without confrontation signaled that Borno State is losing ground,” Zulum said.
He continued, “As you are all aware that my administration has been very supportive to the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorists leading to a relative peace in the last three years, it is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa local government, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, Izge in Gwoza local government areas among other related killing of innocent civilians and security agencies calls for serious concern, and it is a set back in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.”
While commending the Federal Government for its ongoing support, Zulum also called for the urgent deployment of more advanced military technology and equipment to halt the resurgence of terrorist activities, especially in areas bordering Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
“In as much as Borno Government under my leadership commend the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in the fight against Boko Haram, more efforts have to be put in place through equipping and deploying of technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedevilling parts of the Sahelian Borno which shares international border with three African countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon,” he added.
In his own remarks during the meeting, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi, voiced appreciation for the efforts of security agencies but also painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs in some parts of the state. He revealed that three local government areas—Guzamala, Marte, and Abadam—as well as parts of Mobbar, remain under the control of Boko Haram terrorists.
The Shehu urged the Federal Government to reassert civil authority in these areas and also appealed for the reconstruction of key federal roads in the region which have become virtually impassable. These include the Biu–Damboa–Maiduguri, Maiduguri–Dikwa–Ngala, Maiduguri–Monguno–Kukawa, and Biu–Damaturu highways.
As of the time of filing this report, the security meeting continued behind closed doors, with journalists asked to excuse themselves from the remaining sessions. Officials confirmed that parts of the outcome would be shared with the media via a press briefing or an official communiqué at the conclusion of the exercise.
