Governor Zulum has raised alarm over Boko Haram resurgence in Borno.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the renewed wave of terrorist attacks in Nigeria’s North-East has prompted urgent calls for action from both the Senate and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, who warned on Wednesday of growing threats posed by Boko Haram insurgents, including claims of insider sabotage and technological superiority over Nigerian forces.
Appearing on News Central’s Breakfast Central, Governor Zulum urged President Bola Tinubu to rely more heavily on the professional judgment of military leaders rather than political figures in the ongoing fight against terrorism. He also decried what he described as the “politicisation of security matters,” stating that poor intelligence coordination and informants within security agencies and political circles were undermining counter-insurgency operations.
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“The President needs to listen to those who understand the field,” Zulum said. “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, politicians, and communities. We must strengthen our intelligence and deal with them decisively.”
The governor also criticised delays and inefficiencies in defence procurement, warning that Nigeria’s military lacked the equipment needed to match the evolving tactics of the insurgents, who he claimed now deploy drones and other modern technologies.
Senate Backs Call for Reinforcement
In a related development, the Senate passed a resolution calling on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State as part of measures to address the increasing insecurity in the region. The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central), titled “Resurgence of Boko Haram Activities in Hong and Gombi LGAs, Adamawa and Other North-East States.”
Senator Abbas warned that Boko Haram fighters had resumed attacks on vulnerable communities, displacing thousands and crippling economic activities in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.
“The renewed wave of attacks has left communities in fear,” he said. “People can no longer go to their farms or run their businesses.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed the urgency of the situation, highlighting the group’s historical pattern of exploiting lapses in security vigilance. He urged the Nigerian Army and other agencies to remain proactive and tighten border security to prevent infiltration by foreign combatants.
“The moment our forces let their guard down, the terrorists strike,” Akpabio said. “We must remain vigilant and support our security forces with the tools they need.”
The Senate also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver relief materials to the affected communities.
Mixed Reactions to Zulum’s Remarks
Zulum’s comments have sparked mixed reactions across the political and security landscape. A senior presidential aide, speaking anonymously, dismissed the governor’s claims as exaggerated.
“If Boko Haram had superior weapons, would Governor Zulum still be residing safely in the Borno State Government House?” the aide asked. “The President receives regular briefings from service chiefs and intelligence agencies. The idea that insurgents are technologically superior is not accurate.”
A member of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, who declined to be named, also refuted Zulum’s claims, calling them “emotive and misleading.”
However, officials from some northern states expressed support for Zulum’s assertions. The media aide to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal said Borno’s security situation was distinct, noting reports of insurgents using drones. In contrast, he said, Zamfara’s bandits typically use conventional firearms.
In Kebbi, the governor’s spokesperson urged the Federal Government to investigate Zulum’s allegations of informants within the military and political class. Sokoto and Kogi State officials took more cautious positions, with both states stressing the need to support ongoing military efforts without engaging in a blame game.
Nasarawa and Plateau State representatives called for a multi-state strategy and renewed investment in military technology, while advocating for the introduction of state police to enhance localised responses to insecurity.
Looking Ahead
Despite the divergent views, Zulum reiterated his belief in non-military solutions to the insurgency, calling for stronger socioeconomic interventions alongside kinetic strategies.
“The military alone cannot end this. We need to address the root causes—poverty, unemployment, and lack of education,” he said. “We must also ensure the reintegration of surrendered insurgents is managed effectively.”
As insecurity intensifies in the North-East, the latest developments highlight the urgent need for unified, transparent, and well-resourced responses to the growing threat—both on the battlefield and in the corridors of policy.
