Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has raised fresh concerns over the protracted Boko Haram insurgency, accusing some members of the Nigerian armed forces and political class of colluding with terrorists. He described the ongoing security challenges as artificially prolonged due to internal sabotage and insufficient military equipment.
Speaking on News Central’s Breakfast programme yesterday, Governor Zulum alleged that “informants and collaborators” embedded within the military, political circles, and even communities, have hindered efforts to completely stamp out the Boko Haram menace.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian Armed Forces, among politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is strengthen our intelligence and deal with them ruthlessly,” Zulum vowed.
“Boko Haram Can Be Defeated in Six Months”
Governor Zulum, whose state remains the epicentre of Boko Haram activities since the insurgency erupted in 2009, stressed that the terror group can be defeated within six months — if politics is removed from the equation and the military is given the right tools.
“We should not politicise insecurity. In six months, we can put an end to this madness. The Army does not have the necessary equipment on ground to fight insurgency. Right now, the insurgents are using drones to fight soldiers on the ground,” he lamented.
Zulum revealed that the Chief of Army Staff recently told him he is seeking 32 drones to enhance the fight against insurgents.
Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Measures Must Work Together
The governor advocated for a blend of military and non-military approaches in tackling terrorism. “Insurgency will never end through kinetic measures alone. We must address the social, political, and economic causes of the crisis,” he said, while praising the positive impact of ongoing non-kinetic interventions supported by the Nigerian military.
Zulum also reaffirmed support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant insurgents, noting that “over 99%” of those who surrendered have not returned to terrorism.
“I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but over 99% are doing well and are not participating in ongoing terrorism,” he added.
Call for Federal Action to Secure Marte
The Borno governor called on the Federal Government to urgently reinforce the only remaining town in Marte Local Government Area, which was recently ransacked again after prior resettlement.
“About 20,000 people left Marte for Dikwa. If we cannot maintain this one town, we risk losing the entire local government area. This would be disastrous,” he said.
Zulum also revealed he spent the night in Marte with military support to boost morale and reassure the residents, emphasizing that “we must hold our ground.”
Senate: “Some Terrorists Are Not Nigerians”
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed growing concerns over border security, stating that some of the insurgents and bandits wreaking havoc in Nigeria are foreign nationals who cross the country’s porous borders to carry out attacks.
“Our borders are very porous. Some of these insurgents are not Nigerians. They strike and flee across the borders,” Akpabio said during a Senate debate on recent attacks in Adamawa and the resurgence of Boko Haram across the North-East.
The Senate also adopted a motion sponsored by Senator Amunu Iya Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central), calling for the establishment of a military base in Hong LGA to stem the spread of terrorism in Adamawa and surrounding states.
Adamawa Attacks Leave Dozens Dead
The motion detailed a series of deadly attacks in Adamawa communities between February and May 2025, including:
- February 25: Kwapre and Zah attacked, houses and schools destroyed.
- April 15: Five killed in Banga and Lar communities.
- April 26: 11 vigilantes killed in Kwapre.
- May 16: 16 people killed, 90% of Kulda village destroyed.
Neighbouring Gombi LGA also suffered repeated attacks, prompting urgent calls for federal intervention and relief efforts by NEMA.
Military Gallantry Praised, But Threat Remains
Despite the alarming resurgence, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, praised the Nigerian military for reclaiming previously lost territories in Borno and Yobe, attributing it to their “gallantry and resilience.” However, he warned that recent attacks — including the killing of five soldiers and the massacre of 30 civilians — suggest that Boko Haram factions are regrouping.
“The fight must continue with full government backing, or we risk losing the gains made so far,” Monguno added.
Final Word: “The President Must Listen to the Right People”
Governor Zulum urged President Bola Tinubu to rely on ground-level intelligence and not be swayed by sycophants.
“The President needs to listen to people who can tell him the truth, not sycophants. We must deal with this matter decisively,” he said.
