Zulum briefs Tinubu on security in Borno, calls for joint action against insurgents

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

In response to escalating violence in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum briefed President Bola Tinubu on the security situation, emphasising the urgent need for state-federal collaboration to counter insurgent activities.

Zulum, who recently spent a week visiting affected local government areas, stated that his mission to the nation’s capital was specifically to update the President on the deteriorating security conditions. “Things are not getting very well in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North East,” Zulum noted, highlighting a recent surge in attacks on military formations and civilian targets.

While acknowledging President Tinubu’s repeated commitments to tackling insecurity, Zulum revealed that new measures are being considered. “We made a plea to the federal government, 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 said.

A key development in the federal response, according to the Governor, is the planned establishment of forest guards—a move expected to significantly bolster security efforts. “That will be a game-changer,” Zulum remarked, while also pointing out the advanced weaponry used by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Governor Zulum assured the people of Borno State that he would continue to reinforce community resilience and mobilize local volunteers to support 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,” he declared.

In a strong statement, Zulum vowed that no local government would be allowed to fall under insurgent control. “It will never happen now,” he asserted, calling on the Nigerian Armed Forces, civilian authorities, and all stakeholders to unite in defense of the region. “I believe, inshallah, with the support of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents.”

Governor Zulum concluded by expressing optimism that, with coordinated action and the President’s assurances, the security challenges facing Borno and the North East would be effectively addressed. “So far so good, this is what is happening,” he said.