Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has raised serious concerns about the presence of informants and collaborators who assist Boko Haram insurgents within Nigeria’s military, political circles, and local communities. Speaking on News Central’s Breakfast Central, Zulum highlighted these insiders’ critical role in aiding the insurgents and vowed to strengthen intelligence efforts to confront them. He emphasized the importance of a robust internal cleansing to dismantle terrorist networks.
Zulum pointed out that defeating insurgency requires more than just military action. He stressed that kinetic strategies alone are insufficient and called for a balanced approach that includes social, political, and economic solutions. His ongoing initiatives in these areas, supported by the Nigerian military, have shown promising results.
The governor also addressed the issue of surrendered insurgents, stating that over 99% of those who have laid down their arms are reintegrating into society and no longer participating in the insurgency. However, he noted that not all of them may be fully reformed.
In a critical revelation, Zulum mentioned that the Nigerian Army lacks the necessary equipment to combat the insurgents effectively, pointing out that they now leverage advanced technology in their fight. He urged the federal government to prioritize the procurement of military equipment, including drones, which are essential for ending the insurgency. Zulum called for a direct government-to-government approach to ensure transparency and value for money in defense spending.
While expressing skepticism about the idea of state police, the governor advocated for creating forest guards to improve security. He urged the Nigerian president to heed the advice of professional military leaders and avoid politicizing the security situation. According to Zulum, securing the country should be a priority above political interests.
