Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed deep concern over renewed Boko Haram attacks on major military formations, warning that the state risks sliding back into chaos.
Speaking during an expanded Security Council Meeting on Tuesday at the Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum said:
“Many military locations were dislodged, especially in Wulgo, Sabongari, Wajirko among others. It seems we are losing ground and this is a very important thing that we need to discuss.”
He noted that while Borno had enjoyed relative peace in the past three years, the current wave of attacks was worrying:
“Peace has gradually returned to Borno within the last 3 years, but we are witnessing sporadic attacks in recent times.”
“We need deployment of fighter helicopters and the newly procured drones to support military operations in the affected locations.”
Zulum emphasized the importance of truth-telling in the fight against insurgency:
“While we commended the Nigerian military, Police, DSS as well as paramilitary in maintaining law and order in the state, we also have to say the truth, otherwise, all the gains we have made so far will be a mirage.”
Appealing to the federal government, the governor said:
“It seems the focus of the Nigerian Army and federal ministry of defense is not in the northeastern states of Nigeria. Considering the strategic location of the northeastern states of Nigeria, we deserve to receive the desired attention.”
“The Sahel region is very important, Borno location is also very important in the fight against insurgency, Borno State is bordering the republic of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.”
“A lot of foreigners, foreign insurgents are coming into Borno State through these borders, if nothing is done, the state will return into turmoil again. I believe the President of the federal Republic of Nigeria will not accept that. If as much as possible we can work together with the Nigerian army, it’s the right time to save the situation.”
He urged the army to go beyond defensive positions:
“They should not grant breathing space to the Boko Haram to regroup, re-arm and carry out attacks on our territory.”
On development, he stated:
“The resettlement plan of the state government is on top gear but could not be achieved without tight and efficient security.”
“The state government would continue to work closely with the armed forces to execute developmental and peace-building programs.”
Also speaking at the meeting, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, lamented:
“The three LGs are no-go areas especially Abadam, it’s a no-go area, people are afraid to go. So also Marte and Guzamala, a very big town bordering Cameroon.”
He warned that some infiltrators were destabilizing the peace:
“The peace in the state is being compromised by settlers who came in disguise as those acquiring Islamic education and other businesses.”
“Our people were forced into exile to neighboring countries to avoid Boko Haram attacks.”
The Shehu also highlighted long-standing neglect of rural areas:
“Most of the local government areas that have been created since 1976 are without basic amenities like access roads, electricity and others.”
He appealed to the federal government:
“The federal government should reconstruct the trunk A roads: Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa and Biu-Damaturu which are seriously in a deplorable state.”
Present at the meeting were military top brass including the GOC 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, sector commanders, the state Commissioner of Police, heads of other security agencies, and traditional rulers including the Shehu of Borno, Shehu of Bama, and Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, and Gwoza. Notably absent were the Shehu of Dikwa and Emir of Shani.
