Growing attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State have sparked renewed concerns among residents and security observers, as insurgents continue to target military bases and several local government areas across the state.
Residents of Borno, particularly those living in and around Maiduguri, say the frequency of the attacks has increased in recent weeks, creating fear and uncertainty among communities already affected by years of insurgency.
Speaking with The News Chronicle on Wednesday, a senior lecturer based in Maiduguri, who requested anonymity for security reasons, expressed deep concern over the persistent violence and the conditions that he believes have allowed the insurgency to continue.
According to the academic, the long standing crisis is partly driven by sociology economic issues that have left many young people vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.
“Politicians have deliberately created poverty that puts the lives of younger generations at risk,” he said. “The Boko Haram insurgency started in 2009, and up till now, very little has changed. The terrorists continue to recruit youths from communities in the North-East to carry out deadly attacks.”
The lecturer argued that stronger government action is urgently needed to address the worsening security situation in the region. He suggested that declaring a state of emergency in Borno State could help strengthen security operations and bring more coordinated responses to the crisis.
“The only solution now is for the people and the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Borno State. This may be the only way to curb the rising insecurity,” he added.
He recalled that during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, emergency rule was declared multiple times in states affected by insurgency, including Borno. However, he noted that no similar declaration has been made since 2015 despite continued attacks.
“Borno State, among others, deserves a state of emergency because many soldiers have lost their lives fighting the Boko Haram insurgency,” he said.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the insurgency carried out by Boko Haram remains a major threat to stability in Nigeria’s North-East, particularly in Borno State, which has been the epicenter of the conflict for over a decade.
Meanwhile, a Maiduguri based activist, Mohammed Lawan, also spoke with The News Chronicle, calling for stronger cooperation between federal and state authorities to combat the insurgents.
Lawan stressed that tackling the insurgency requires a unified strategy involving security agencies, government institutions, and local communities.
“The Federal Government and the Borno State Government must work together closely to fight Boko Haram terrorists. Without strong collaboration, it will be difficult to defeat them,” he said.
He also described the anxiety currently felt by residents of Maiduguri, noting that people living in the outskirts of the city frequently hear explosions and gunfire from nearby areas.
“People in Maiduguri are hearing the sounds of bombs and gunshots around the outskirts of the city. This is causing serious fear among residents,” Lawan said.
The security situation in the North East has remained fragile despite years of military operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks. Attacks on military formations, ambushes on troops, and assaults on rural communities continue to pose challenges for security forces.
Observers say that without sustained security reforms and development efforts, the region could continue to face instability, putting both civilians and security personnel at risk.
