The Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has revealed that 300,000 “repentant Boko Haram members” have been received by the state within the last three years.
The governor shared the information with the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; and other top military commanders during their visit to Maiduguri.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Governor Zulum raised the alarm that Boko Haram terrorists were regrouping in the Tumbus areas of Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills, both located within the dreaded Sambisa Forest.
While acknowledging the efforts of the military, he had noted that there are challenges making it difficult to effectively combat the rising threat of terrorism, and these need to be urgently addressed.
He stated that while the Nigerian Army is pursuing kinetic measures, it should also consider non-kinetic approaches, which are equally important.
“Borno State has, within the last three years, received more than 300,000 repentant Boko Haram fighters, and not all of them are fighters. Some of them are farmers,” he noted.
“Manpower is very essential. While I’m aware of the constraints of the Nigerian Army—because right now, you are everywhere in Nigeria: the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, as well as southern Nigeria—I’m aware of your limitations.”
“But still, considering the northeastern region, the Nigerian Army should look into the possibility of sending more trained manpower. There is a difference between Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits.”
He also emphasised that ISWAP and Boko Haram are receiving international support.
“ISWAP and Boko Haram are terrorists getting support internationally, and looking at our porous borders, they remain infiltrated through the Sahel, which is our major problem.”
“If the Sahel is not secured, Nigeria will never be secured. So, there is a need for us to fortify the security situation in the Sahel with a view to ending the crisis in the entire nation.”
“We need air support. I know the kind of constraints you face accessing fighter helicopters and others, but attack helicopters are very important in these areas, and drones are also very important.”
“The last attack that happened in Wulgo, carried out by ISWAP and Boko Haram—a confirmed statement said it was carried out with the support of armed drones. They hit the MNJTF with drones.”
“This is the time for the Nigerian military to rise again and procure sophisticated drones and anti-drone equipment so that we get rid of these problems.”
Earlier in April, while speaking at a Special Expanded Security Meeting, Zulum condemned the continuous attacks and kidnappings, noting that these incidents occur almost daily without significant resistance from security forces, according to Channels TV.
He described the situation as a serious setback for both Borno and the wider Northeast region.
“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 signal that Borno State is losing ground,” Zulum said.
The meeting was attended by Major General Abubakar Haruna, General Officer Commanding 7 Division; sector commanders; the Commissioner of Police; heads of other security agencies; and traditional rulers, including the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, and the Shehu of Bama.
Zulum pointed to the recent dislodgement of military formations in Damboa Local Government Area (Wajirko and Sabon Gari), Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area (Wulgo), and Gwoza Local Government Area (Izge) as deeply concerning.
“While my administration has been very supportive of the military and other security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram, it is disheartening to note the recent attacks and dislodgement of military formations in Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza, along with the killing of innocent civilians and security personnel.”
“This calls for serious concern and signals a setback in the fragile state of Borno and the Northeast,” he added.
