Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has raised serious concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the state, calling for urgent and reinforced intervention from the federal government and security agencies.
Speaking during a Special Expanded Security Meeting held on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum decried the growing wave of attacks and abductions being carried out by insurgents in communities across Borno State. He noted that these incidents are occurring “almost on a daily basis” without any significant resistance from security operatives.
“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.
The security meeting was attended by high-profile stakeholders including the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna; sector commanders; the state’s Commissioner of Police; heads of various security outfits; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi; as well as traditional rulers from Bama, Biu, Uba, Askira, and Gwoza. The Shehu of Dikwa and Emir of Shani were, however, absent.
The governor expressed deep frustration over the recent dislodgement of military bases in key areas including Wajirko and Sabon Gari in Damboa Local Government Area, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza. He described the situation as a major setback in the state’s fragile security landscape.
“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,” Zulum said. “This calls for serious concern, and it is a setback in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.”
Despite the setbacks, Governor Zulum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for their continued support in the fight against insurgency. However, he emphasized the need for improved technological capabilities in the military’s operations, especially given Borno’s strategic location bordering Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
He urged the federal government to strengthen military capacity by deploying advanced technology and equipment to curb the growing wave of insurgent attacks.
“The need to strengthen efforts by equipping and deploying technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedeviling parts of the Sahelian Borno is urgent,” Zulum stressed.
The governor’s remarks come amid rising concern over the stability of the North East, with many urging the government to ramp up efforts in securing lives and property in the region.
