Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has voiced concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks on military positions in the state, stressing that the region could face instability once again. The governor shared his worries during an expanded Security Council Meeting held at the Government House in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
Governor Zulum noted that several key military locations had recently been overrun, particularly in areas like Wulgo, Sabongari, and Wajirko.
“It seems we are losing ground and this is a very important issue we need to discuss,” he said during the meeting. He pointed out that while Borno had witnessed relative peace in the past three years, recent attacks were starting to threaten this progress.
He called on the federal government to provide additional support to the military, including the deployment of fighter helicopters and newly acquired drones to aid security operations. Zulum further stressed the need for collaboration between the state government and the military in ensuring the continued safety and stability of the region.
“While we commend the Nigerian military, Police, DSS, as well as paramilitary forces for maintaining law and order, we must acknowledge the reality—otherwise, all the progress we have made could be undone,” he stated.
In his speech, the governor also highlighted the strategic importance of the northeastern region and emphasized that Borno, in particular, borders several countries such as Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. These neighboring countries have seen the infiltration of foreign insurgents into the region, which poses a growing threat to the state. Zulum appealed for a greater federal focus on Borno and the entire northeastern region, stating that the current attention was insufficient given the region’s critical role in the fight against insurgency.
“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 border’s, 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.”
Additionally, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, also expressed concerns over the continued control of some local government areas by Boko Haram. “The three LGs are no-go areas, especially Abadam,” he said, noting that these areas remain unsafe for citizens due to the presence of insurgents.
The Shehu also highlighted the challenges faced by the state’s infrastructure, noting that many local government areas lacked basic amenities like roads and electricity. He appealed to the federal government to prioritize the reconstruction of vital roads such as the Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri and Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala routes, which have deteriorated over time.
The meeting, which saw the attendance of major stakeholders including the General Officer Commanding the 7th Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Sector Commanders, Commissioner of Police, heads of other security agencies, Shehu of Borno, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Shehu of Bama, Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, Gwoza, while Shehu of Dikwa- and Emir of Shani were in absentia.
