Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has raised an alarm over the renewed wave of Boko Haram attacks across the state, warning that the recent surge in violence suggests the government is losing grip in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking during a Special Expanded Security Meeting at the Government House in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Zulum expressed deep frustration with the deteriorating security situation. The high-level meeting was attended by key military and police officers, including the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, sector commanders, the Commissioner of Police, other security heads, and traditional rulers.
“It is with great concern that I report the return of frequent Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in several communities — happening almost daily and without resistance,” Zulum said. “This clearly indicates that Borno is gradually losing ground again.”
He highlighted recent incidents in Wajirko and Sabon Gari (Damboa LGA), Wulgo (Gamboru Ngala), and Izge (Gwoza LGA), where terrorists overran military bases, killed civilians, and displaced troops — a development he described as a major setback to the relative peace experienced in the past three years.
Governor Zulum emphasized that his administration has consistently supported security agencies, yet the return of unchecked violence demands urgent intervention.
“Despite the support we’ve provided to our military and security partners, the resurgence of attacks shows we must urgently recalibrate. We need more advanced weapons, intelligence, and technological warfare to combat this threat, especially in Sahelian Borno which borders Niger, Chad, and Cameroon,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Shehu of Borno commended the dedication of security agencies but painted a grim picture of the situation. He revealed that entire local governments — including Guzamala, Marte, Abadam, and parts of Mobbar — remain under the full control of Boko Haram insurgents, with no civilian governance in place.
The royal father urged authorities to act swiftly and decisively to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
As fears grow across the state, Zulum’s message is clear: unless immediate action is taken, the hard-won progress against insurgency risks unraveling before the eyes of the very people it was meant to protect.
