Zulum Meets Tinubu, Vows Terrorists Won’t Take Over Borno LGAs Again

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has vowed that no local government in his state will be allowed to fall into the hands of Boko Haram or ISWAP terrorists, declaring that such a scenario “will never happen again.”

Zulum disclosed this to State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

The visit, according to the governor, was to brief the President on the worsening security situation in the North-East, particularly in Borno State, and to seek stronger federal support in combating insurgent activities.

“Purposely, I came to brief him on the security situation in the North East and in particular in Borno State,” Zulum told State House correspondents.

“This is the main reason why I came because you have heard it all that within the last few days, things are not getting very well in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North East.”

The governor revealed that he had spent the past week visiting some of the most affected local government areas in the state to assess the situation firsthand and coordinate immediate responses.

“We are trying to see how we shall reduce the incendiary attacks on military formations and others,” he said. “So I came and I briefed Mr. President on how best the state and the federal government can work together to reduce such problems that we are facing.”

Zulum said the Tinubu administration had made clear its intention to address security challenges across the country, stressing that his visit was part of efforts at aligning state-level efforts with the federal strategy.

“Honourably speaking, we made a plea to the federal government of Nigeria, and I believe within the last couple of days, the Nigerian Armed Forces have taken certain decisions that will curtail the imminence of the insurgency,” he disclosed.

The governor highlighted an upcoming federal initiative to establish a forest guard force, which he described as a potential “game-changer” in the fight against insurgents who exploit difficult terrain to launch attacks.

“Most importantly, some plans are underway by the federal government, especially the establishment of forest guards. That will be a game-changer,” he said.

Zulum also expressed concern that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were increasingly using sophisticated weapons, saying the federal government was aware of the threat and taking steps to address it.

“The President has given me assurance that they will do everything to control the situation, and I believe the federal government will do something,” Zulum stated.

He pledged to continue strengthening the resilience of communities in Borno, including supporting civilian volunteer groups to complement the work of the military.

“On my own part, as the governor of Borno State, I will not relent in my effort in strengthening the resilience of our community and getting our volunteers so that the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces shall be complemented,” he assured.

Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to preventing any further territorial gains by insurgents, saying he had already issued a directive that no local government in Borno must be allowed to fall.

“A few days ago I made a call that no local government shall be allowed to be taken over by Boko Haram or ISWAP members. It will never happen now,” he declared.

Calling on the Nigerian Armed Forces, civilian authorities, and all stakeholders to act decisively, Zulum assured that with the support of God and the Nigerian Army, “we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents.”