By Atoyebi Nike
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has urged President Bola Tinubu to rely on accurate intelligence from security agencies and avoid listening to sycophants.
In an interview with News Central TV, Zulum criticized delays in military procurement. He blamed what he called “contractocracy” — a system where contractors benefit more than the country. According to him, this is one of the key issues prolonging the fight against terrorism.
The governor said Nigeria could defeat terrorism within six months. But this would require removing middlemen from arms procurement and prioritizing direct deals between governments.
Zulum revealed that recent insurgent attacks had displaced over 80,000 people from Marte Local Government Area. He said the state deployed more than 1,000 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilance groups to help.
He noted that some federal officials downplay the security crisis in Borno. “We must not politicise insecurity,” he said. “We need honest feedback to solve the problem.”
The governor urged both federal and state governments to combine efforts and fund military operations. He said the Nigerian Army lacked basic tools and that insurgents were using drones to attack soldiers.
Zulum also raised alarm over informants within the military, politics, and local communities. He warned that these internal threats must be handled with strict measures.
He added that while some ex-insurgents may return to violence, the fight cannot rely on military force alone. Zulum called for a mix of social and economic strategies to address the root causes of terrorism.
He also opposed creating state police but supported the idea of deploying forest guards. He said they should be recruited from local communities affected by violence.
Zulum praised the army for their knowledge and professionalism. He advised the president to listen to field commanders and provide the equipment they need.
The insurgency in Borno, which began in 2009, has killed thousands and displaced millions. The crisis worsened with the rise of ISWAP, a faction linked to the global Islamic State group.
Senate Urges Military to Intensify Action in North-East
In a separate development, the Senate has asked the military to respond more forcefully to renewed Boko Haram attacks in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
Senator Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central) led the motion on Wednesday. He listed recent attacks that killed civilians, destroyed schools and homes, and displaced many people.
In Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa, 16 people were killed last week. About 90 percent of homes and places of worship were also burned, he said.
Senator Mohammed Monguno (Borno North) warned that security gains in Borno were being lost. He also raised concerns about the transfer of military assets from the North-East to the North-West.
The Senate asked the federal government to boost troop presence in affected areas. It also called on NEMA to send emergency aid to displaced residents.
