Zulum raises alarm over resurgent Boko Haram attacks

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed grave concern over a recent wave of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings, warning that the increasing frequency of these incidents—carried out with little or no resistance—signals a worrying erosion of security and state control in the region.

Governor Zulum issued the warning during a Special Expanded Security Meeting (ESM) held on Tuesday in Maiduguri, which brought together top military commanders, police officials, and traditional leaders.

Among the attendees were Major General Abubakar Haruna, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, the Borno State Commissioner of Police, and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi. However, the governor noted the absence of several critical stakeholders.

In his address, Zulum reflected on the relative peace achieved in the state over the past three years, attributing it to the sustained collaboration between the Borno State Government and security agencies.

He said the recent escalation in attacks, including the dislodgement of military formations and loss of civilian lives, represents a troubling reversal of hard-won gains.

 “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 and without confrontation, signal that Borno State is losing ground,” the governor stated.

Communities recently affected by the insurgent resurgence include Wajirko and Sabon Gari in Damboa LGA, Wulgo in Gamboru Ngala, and Izge in Gwoza LGA. These areas have reportedly witnessed military withdrawals and increased civilian casualties, heightening fears of a full-blown return to the peak of the insurgency.

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Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s longstanding support for the military and appreciated the continued efforts of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, he stressed the need for a renewed and more technologically advanced military strategy, especially in Sahelian Borno, a strategic border zone that interfaces with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

“More efforts have to be put in place through equipping and deploying technological warfare to the military to stem the tide of all renewed attacks bedeviling parts of Sahelian Borno,” he said.

Echoing the governor’s concerns, the Shehu of Borno emphasized that areas such as Guzamala, Marte, Abadam, and parts of Mobbar remain under Boko Haram control, with no functioning civil administration.

He called for urgent government intervention in restoring infrastructure and governance, including the reconstruction of key federal highways such as Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri and Maiduguri-Dikwa-Ngala roads, which are critical for both military logistics and civilian access.

The security meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for collaborative, multi-layered security interventions, with the state government pledging to intensify its support for security agencies, and traditional rulers urging their communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

As Borno faces a potential slide back into heightened conflict, Governor Zulum’s alarm serves as a wake-up call for all levels of government and the international community to act swiftly to prevent a relapse into widespread violence.