Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for a joint military operation involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force to clear terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad region.
He made the call on Monday while receiving the new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum said the islands in Lake Chad known as the Tumbus have become major hiding places for Boko Haram and ISWAP militants. He stressed that a full, well-planned operation in the area is necessary to achieve lasting peace.
“A thorough military operation involving the Navy, Air Force, and Army to clear the Tumbus has never been conducted,” Zulum said.
He added that dealing with the Lake Chad area is crucial to ending terrorism in Nigeria. “The area has given the terrorists a safe haven. This is our biggest problem now,” he noted.
The governor also pointed out other terrorist enclaves, including the Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Hills. He said a coordinated effort is needed to eliminate these threats.
Zulum urged the Nigerian Air Force to deploy more drones (UAVs) to support the fight, explaining that technology is key to overcoming the insurgency.
He also suggested that the military leadership should meet in Maiduguri to discuss better ways to tackle the security challenges.
The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the military but appealed for more funding to provide modern equipment needed to win the war.
He praised the Air Force for its continuous support and expressed confidence that the insurgency will eventually be defeated.
Earlier, Air Marshal Aneke commended the governor’s “Borno Model,” which focuses on community engagement, reconciliation, and rebuilding. He said the approach has helped restore peace and improve the lives of affected communities.
Aneke also appreciated the governor’s efforts in supporting Air Force operations in Maiduguri and said he has directed more emphasis on readiness, coordination with ground troops, and effective use of airpower in the region.
