We are losing ground to Boko Haram – Governor Zulum cries out over attacks

Governor Babagana Zulum has voiced deep concern over the recent resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings across Borno State, warning that the state is beginning to lose ground in the fight against terrorism. Speaking on Tuesday, April 8, during a Special Expanded Security Meeting held at the Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum said the frequency of assaults on communities without adequate military resistance is alarming and signals a dangerous shift.

The meeting was attended by top military and security officers, including the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, sector commanders, the state Commissioner of Police, and heads of various security agencies. Traditional rulers, including the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, and emirs from Biu, Uba, Askira, and Gwoza, were also present, though the Shehu of Dikwa and the Emir of Shani were absent.

Zulum acknowledged the support his administration has given to the military over the past three years, which had previously led to a period of relative peace. However, he lamented that recent developments, including the dislodgement of military formations in areas like Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza, represent a serious setback. These attacks have also resulted in the deaths of both civilians and members of the security forces.

“As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signalled that Borno State is losing ground,” the governor said. “It is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations… this calls for serious concern, and it is a setback in the fragile state of Borno and the North East region.”

While commending the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu and the military for their continued efforts, Zulum stressed the need for increased deployment of modern warfare technology. He argued that such efforts are critical to halting the resurgence of insurgency, particularly in Sahelian areas of Borno that share borders with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

Echoing the governor’s concerns, the Shehu of Borno commended security agencies for their efforts but highlighted that several local government areas, including Guzamala, Marte, and Abadam, remain under the control of Boko Haram. He warned that these areas currently lack civil authority and called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate key federal roads, including the Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri and Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa routes, which are vital for regional connectivity and security response.

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