FG dismisses Borno Governor’s concerns on Boko Haram advances in State

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to disregard the alarm raised by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, regarding the state’s alleged loss of control to Boko Haram insurgents.

Zulum, during a Special Expanded Security Meeting in Maiduguri on Tuesday, expressed grave concerns about the daily attacks and kidnappings carried out by the insurgents, which he said were occurring without significant resistance from security forces.

The governor, addressing a gathering that included military leaders, police commissioners, and traditional rulers, warned that the situation was a serious setback for both Borno State and the broader North East region.

“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 stated.

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He further condemned the recent attacks and the dislodging of military formations in areas like Wajirko, Sabon Gari in Damboa, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza, which had led to civilian casualties and the loss of security personnel.

However, the Nigerian government swiftly responded, downplaying the governor’s statement.

In a Wednesday press release, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris reassured the public that Zulum’s concerns should be disregarded.

The Minister emphasized that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to eradicating terrorism and banditry across the nation.

“The Tinubu administration is committed to eradicating acts of banditry and terrorism across the country,” Idris affirmed. He also highlighted the progress made by the security agencies over the past 18 months, noting that their successes demonstrated that Nigeria was steadily returning to normalcy.

Idris called on all levels of government to join forces in ensuring the swift eradication of any remaining pockets of criminal activity across the country.

This exchange between the Borno governor and the federal government underscores the continuing challenges faced in the fight against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups in the region.