The Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has raised an alarm that the state seems to be losing grounds to terrorists.
He spoke yesterday at the Government House, Maiduguri, during an expanded Security Council meeting which, he noted, was convened to hear the truth from major stakeholders, including traditional rulers and heads of security agencies in the state.
In attendance were the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna; sector commanders; the commissioner of police and heads of other security agencies; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi; the Shehu of Bama as well as the emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira and Gwoza.
Governor Zulum expressed concern over the recent Boko Haram attacks on major military formations across the state, saying the state was at risk of returning to turmoil.
“Many military locations were dislodged, especially in Wulgo, Sabongari, Wajirko among others.
“It seems we are losing ground and this is a very important thing that we need to discuss.
“Peace has gradually returned to Borno within the last three years, but we are witnessing sporadic attacks in recent times,” the governor said.
He called for deployment of fighter helicopters and the newly procured drones to support military operations in the affected locations.
“While we commend the Nigerian military, police, DSS as well as paramilitary in maintaining law and order in the state, we also have to tell the truth. Otherwise, all the gains we have made so far will be a mirage” he said.
Zulum, who is also the chairman of the North-east Governors’ Forum, appealed to the federal government to give the zone the required attention.
“It seems the focus of the Nigerian Army and Federal Ministry of Defence is not in the northeastern states of Nigeria.
“Considering the strategic location of the northeastern states of Nigeria, we deserve to receive the desired attention.
“The Sahel region is very important, Borno location is also very important in the fight against insurgency, Borno State is bordering the Republic of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
“A lot of foreigners, foreign insurgents are coming into Borno State through these borders. If nothing is done, the state will return to turmoil again. I believe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will not accept that.
“If as much as possible we can work together with the Nigerian army, it is the right time to save the situation,” Zulum stated.
He urged the army not only to mount checkpoints, guard towns and villages, but to also take the battle to the insurgents.
“They should not grant breathing space to the Boko Haram to regroup, re-arm and carry out attacks on our territory,” he added.
He said the resettlement plan of the state government was in top gear but could not be achieved without tight and efficient security.
Zulum added that the state government would continue to work closely with the Armed Forces to execute developmental and peace-building programmes.
