Channel Television has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has raised a grave alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the state, declaring that Borno is once again losing ground to the terrorist group after years of hard-fought relative peace.
Speaking at a high-level Special Expanded Security Meeting on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the governor did not mince words as he painted a disturbing picture of the deteriorating security situation. The meeting was attended by top military brass, including the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna; sector commanders; the Commissioner of Police; other heads of security agencies; and a host of traditional rulers including the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Bama, and the Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, and Gwoza.
Governor Zulum lamented the recent deadly attacks that have led to the dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko and Sabon Gari in Damboa LGA, Wulgo in Gamboru-Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza LGA. He described the wave of killings and kidnappings of civilians and security personnel as a serious setback to the fragile peace achieved in recent years.
“As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities—almost on a daily basis without confrontation—signal that Borno State is losing ground,” Zulum declared somberly.
While acknowledging the unwavering support of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the governor emphasized the urgent need for a more robust strategy. He called for the deployment of advanced technology and enhanced logistical support to the military, particularly in the Sahelian parts of Borno which share porous borders with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
“My administration has been extremely supportive of the military and security agencies, which led to relative peace in the last three years. But this resurgence of attacks is not only worrisome—it is dangerous. We cannot afford to be complacent or reactive. We must take proactive measures to stem this tide,” he stated.
Adding his voice, the Shehu of Borno, who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers, commended the bravery of security forces but offered a sobering reality check: “Three local government areas—Guzamala, Marte, and Abadam—as well as parts of Mobbar are still completely under the control of Boko Haram. These communities are operating without any civil authority. This is unacceptable.”
The Shehu also urged the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate critical federal roads in the state, including the Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa, and Biu-Damaturu highways. He noted that the deplorable condition of these roads continues to hinder both security operations and economic recovery in the state.
As the security meeting continued behind closed doors at the time of this report, the governor’s bold declarations underscored the pressing need for a recalibrated and technology-driven counter-insurgency campaign. With Borno once again teetering on the edge, stakeholders at all levels are being called upon to act decisively and swiftly to prevent a full-scale relapse into chaos.
PIONEER NEWS 