Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State expressed deep concern on Tuesday regarding the escalating violence and the loss of military control to Boko Haram insurgents in the state.
Zulum described the daily killings, abductions, and the recent dislodgement of military formations by terrorists as signals that Borno is losing ground in its battle against insurgency.
Reports have detailed multiple recent attacks on military formations in locations such as Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza, leading to both civilian and security personnel casualties.
Zulum warned that these developments could be a major setback for Borno and the broader North East region, which has long been grappling with insurgent activities.
While acknowledging the support of the federal government and security agencies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Zulum emphasized the need for increased efforts, particularly through technological advancements and better equipping of the military, to counteract the rising wave of attacks.
He called for greater focus on regions in Sahelian Borno, which borders Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
At the Special Expanded Security Meeting (ESM), Zulum reiterated that his administration had been supportive of the military’s efforts, which had led to relative peace over the past three years.
However, he expressed disappointment over the recent surge in violence.
The Shehu of Borno also weighed in, praising the efforts of security forces but highlighting that Boko Haram still controls certain areas, such as Guzamala, Marte, Abbadam, and parts of Mobbar.
These areas, he noted, remain without civil authority, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The Shehu further called for the urgent reconstruction of key roads in the region, including the Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri, Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala, and Maiduguri-Monguno-Kukawa roads, which have fallen into disrepair, further isolating affected communities.
The meeting, attended by top security officials, including Major General Abubakar Haruna and various traditional leaders, underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address the worsening security situation in Borno and the surrounding areas.
