Zulum Raises Alarm as Boko Haram Intensifies Attacks
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has sounded a stark warning over a resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the state, declaring that recent waves of attacks and territorial advances by the insurgents suggest the government is losing ground in its counterterrorism efforts.
The governor issued the warning on Tuesday during an emergency Special Expanded Security Meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri, attended by top military commanders, police chiefs, and traditional leaders.
“With the daily attacks and kidnappings in several communities going on without any resistance, it is clear that Borno is again slipping into the hands of terrorists,” Zulum declared in a tone laden with frustration and concern.
He specifically cited the overrunning of military outposts in Wajirko, Sabon Gari (Damboa), Wulgo (Gamboru-Ngala), and Izge (Gwoza), noting that these incidents mark a serious setback after years of hard-earned stability in the region.
Zulum expressed dismay that despite years of providing logistics and moral support to security forces, the recent breaches signify an erosion of gains made in the counterinsurgency campaign.
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“It is disheartening that after three years of relative peace, we are now witnessing dislodgements of military formations and killings of both civilians and security personnel,” he said. “This resurgence is a threat not only to Borno but to the entire Northeast.”
He called on the Federal Government to ramp up its response by deploying advanced technological warfare tools, enhancing troop strength, and focusing more attention on Borno’s Sahelian zones, which border Chad, Niger, and Cameroon — regions that have long served as operational corridors for insurgents.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, praised the efforts of security agencies but confirmed that parts of the state, including Guzamala, Marte, Abadam, and areas in Mobbar, remain under Boko Haram control and devoid of any civil administration.
The traditional ruler warned that unless urgent action is taken, the situation could spiral out of control, urging a more proactive and coordinated security approach.
The meeting comes amid growing fears that the renewed insurgent momentum could undo over a decade of progress in restoring peace to Nigeria’s Northeast, threatening both humanitarian efforts and long-term stability in the region.
By PRNigeria
