•••Some LGAs ( Abadam, Marte, and Guzamala) still Under Boko Haram Control – Shehu of Borno
By Joy Yesufu
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has raised serious concerns over renewed Boko Haram attacks, warning that the state risks sliding back into instability if urgent action is not taken.
Speaking at an expanded Security Council meeting on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the governor said recent assaults by insurgents on military locations including Wulgo, Sabongari, and Wajirko suggest that security forces may be ceding ground.
“Many military locations have been dislodged. It seems we are losing ground, and this is a very important matter we need to address,” Zulum said.
“Peace had gradually returned over the last three years, but recent events indicate a troubling resurgence of violence.”
Zulum called for immediate deployment of fighter helicopters and newly acquired surveillance drones to bolster military efforts.
He also urged the Nigerian Army to take proactive action rather than rely on static defense.
“They must not give Boko Haram the space to regroup, rearm, and launch further attacks. We cannot afford to lose the gains we’ve made,” he added .
As Chairman of the Northeast Governors’ Forum, the governor appealed to the Federal Government to shift greater attention to the region.
He expressed disappointment that the North-East appears sidelined in national defense priorities, despite its strategic importance.
“Borno shares borders with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. The Sahel is a critical region, and Borno’s security is vital to national and regional stability,” he stated.
“Foreign insurgents are infiltrating through these borders. If left unchecked, we risk descending into chaos once again.”
Zulum emphasized that the state’s resettlement plans for displaced persons cannot succeed without adequate security.
He pledged continued cooperation with the military and security agencies to drive both peace and development.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi, lamented that several local government areas remain under the control of insurgents.
“Abadam, Marte, and Guzamala are still no-go areas,” he revealed.
“People are afraid to return home. We are witnessing the influx of suspicious settlers posing as Islamic scholars or traders, which further compromises security.”
The Shehu also called on the federal government to rehabilitate critical roads in the state, including the Biu–Damboa–Maiduguri, Maiduguri–Dikwa–Ngala, Maiduguri–Monguno–Kukawa, and Biu–Damaturu routes, describing them as “seriously deplorable.”
Present at the meeting were top military and police officials, traditional rulers including the Emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira, and Gwoza, as well as community leaders and heads of security agencies.
