Governor Babagana Zulum is deeply concerned about the recent reappearance of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in the Borno country, warning that the state has begun to lose its stance in the fight against terrorism. Speaking at a special extended security meeting at the Maiduguri Government Building on Tuesday, April 8, Zulum said the frequency of attacks on community without adequate military resistance is alarming, indicating a dangerous shift.
The meeting was summarized by senior military and secret persons, including Commanding the 7th Division, Major General Abubaka Haruna, Department Commander, State Police Chief, and Heads of various security agencies. It is also believed that traditional rulers including Borno, Alhaji Alhaji’s Shehu Abubakar Garbai Al-Al-Al-Al-Al-Kanemi and Biu, Uba, Askira and Gwoza’s Emirs also exist, and Dikwa’s Shehu and five Shehu were absent.
Zulum acknowledged that his government had given the military support over the past three years, which had previously led to a period of relatively peacefulness. However, he lamented that recent developments, including standing out in military formations in areas such as Wajirko, Sabon Gari of Damboa, Wulgo of Gamboru Ngala and Izge of Gwoza, represents a serious setback. These attacks also resulted in the deaths of civilians and members of the security forces.
“When I discuss this important gathering today, unfortunately, the Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost every day without confrontation, suggesting that the Borno State is losing its stance,” the governor said. “It is frustrating to note the recent attacks and dislocations on military forms…it requires serious attention, a setback in the fragile state of Borno and the Northeast.”
Zulum, in his praise of the federal government with the ongoing efforts of Bola Tinubu and the military, emphasized the need to increase the deployment of modern warfare technologies. He believes that such efforts are crucial to stop the revival of the rebellion, especially in the Sahel region of Borno, which shares borders with Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
Borno’s Shehu responded to the governor’s concern, praising the efforts of the security agencies, but stressed that several local government areas, including Guzamala, Marte and Abadam, remain under Boko Haram. He warned that these regions currently lack citizenship authority and called on the federal government to urgently resume critical federal roads, including the Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri and Maiduguri-Moiduguri-Monguno-Kukukawa routes, which are crucial for regional connectivity and security response.
