Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Monday, May 26, visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the escalating security situation in the state, pledging that no local government area would fall into the hands of Boko Haram or Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) insurgents.
The governor’s remarks marked a shift from a statement he made earlier in May during a visit to Marte, where he acknowledged that three local government areas, Marte, Abadam and Dikwa, had been taken over by insurgents. At the time, Zulum had called on the Nigerian Armed Forces, civilian authorities and concerned stakeholders to rise and defend the territories under threat.
Speaking to journalists after his meeting with the president, Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to maintain control over every part of the state, stating that “no local government shall be allowed to be taken over by Boko Haram or ISWAP members. It will never happen now.”
The governor stressed the importance of collaboration between the military, civilian authorities and local communities, expressing confidence that coordinated efforts would repel any further advances by insurgents. “In sha Allah, with the support of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents,” he said.
Zulum noted that his visit to the State House was prompted by recent developments in the Northeast and Northern Nigeria more broadly. He highlighted concerns about increasing attacks, particularly on military installations, and said he had just returned from conflict zones where he witnessed the gravity of the security challenges.
“We are trying to see how we shall reduce the incessant attacks on military formations and others,” he said, while acknowledging recent efforts by the armed forces to contain the insurgency. “I believe within the last couple of days, the Nigerian armed forces have taken some certain decisions that will curtail the imminence of the insurgency, and I believe something shall be done.”
The governor also revealed that discussions with the federal government included plans to establish forest guards as part of a broader strategy to combat insurgents. He described the initiative as a “game changer” in the fight against terrorism.
He raised concerns over the sophisticated weapons reportedly being used by insurgent groups, saying the federal government was aware of the challenge and working to counter it. “Some of the Boko Haram and ISWAP members are using some sophisticated weapons. I believe the federal government is also working in this direction,” Zulum said.
According to the governor, President Tinubu assured him of the federal government’s commitment to tackling the insurgency. “The President has given me assurance that they will do everything to control the situation, and I believe the federal government will do something,” he stated.
Zulum pledged that his administration would continue mobilizing community support and local volunteer forces to aid the military in restoring peace. He once again called on all stakeholders, military personnel, civilian leaders and the general public to unite in the effort to secure every part of Borno State.