Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced that over the past three years, the state has received more than 300,000 people who have surrendered from Boko Haram, including many who were not fighters but farmers.
Governor Zulum shared this information during a meeting in Maiduguri with the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military leaders
He also warned that Boko Haram terrorists are regrouping in the Tumbus areas around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills in Sambisa Forest. Despite acknowledging the military’s efforts, Zulum stressed that serious challenges remain and called for urgent action.
While praising the Nigerian Army’s work, Zulum urged them to strengthen both military (kinetic) and non-military (non-kinetic) strategies. He pointed out the Army’s stretched resources, saying, “I know the Army is deployed all over Nigerian in the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, and the South but the Northeast still needs more trained personnel.”
Zulum highlighted the threat of international support for terrorist groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram. He warned that Nigeria’s porous borders allow dangerous elements from the Sahel region to enter the country.
“If the Sahel is not secured, Nigeria will not be secured,” he said, urging stronger security efforts in the region.
He also called for the military to acquire more fighter helicopters, attack drones, and anti-drone technology. He revealed that a recent attack on the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Wulgo was carried out using armed drones.
“The military must rise up and urgently invest in modern drone technology to tackle this threat,” Zulum emphasized.
Earlier in April, at a special security meeting, Zulum raised alarms over the frequent Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings happening almost daily, without much resistance from security forces. He described the situation as a major setback for Borno State and the entire Northeast.
He pointed out the concerning loss of military bases in areas like Wajirko and Sabon Gari (Damboa LGA), Wulgo (Gamboru Ngala LGA), and Izge (Gwoza LGA), where both civilians and soldiers were killed.
Zulum concluded by reaffirming his administration’s continued support for the military but warned that the recent attacks highlight how fragile the security situation remains in Borno and the wider region.
