Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has voiced deep concern over the increasing spate of Boko Haram activities across the state, warning that recent developments suggest the state is gradually losing control to insurgents, okay.ng reports.
The governor made this known on Tuesday during a Special Expanded Security Meeting held at the Government House in Maiduguri. The high-level meeting brought together key military leaders including the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, along with sector commanders, the state Commissioner of Police, heads of various security agencies, and traditional rulers.
Governor Zulum expressed grave dissatisfaction with the deteriorating security situation, lamenting that the near-daily attacks and kidnappings in several communities have occurred with minimal resistance, indicating a concerning shift in the state’s security dynamics.
“It is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings across many communities, with little or no confrontation, point to a disturbing reality that Borno is ceding ground,” he said.
He specifically mentioned the dislodgement of military formations in areas such as Wajirko and Sabon Gari in Damboa, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza as alarming signs. The governor also referenced the recent killing of both civilians and security personnel, stressing the need for immediate action.
Zulum noted that his administration has consistently supported the armed forces and security agencies, contributing to a period of relative peace over the past three years. However, he warned that the recent wave of violence represents a setback for the fragile security gains in the region.
He called for enhanced military capacity, including technological support and greater deployment, especially in Borno’s Sahelian zones that border Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its continued backing of anti-terror operations, Zulum insisted that more aggressive and innovative strategies were necessary to reverse the current trend.
In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno praised security agencies for their efforts but highlighted that several local government areas—namely Guzamala, Marte, Abadam, and parts of Mobbar—remain under the complete control of Boko Haram. He urged the government to act swiftly to restore civil authority and prevent further escalation.
