Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has raised serious concerns over the presence of Boko Haram informants within the Nigerian armed forces and political class.
In a recent interview on News Central’s Breakfast programme, the governor asserted that some members of the military and politicians are actively collaborating with insurgents.
He also criticized the Nigerian Army’s inadequate equipment, stating that, without political interference, Boko Haram could be eliminated within six months. “Let’s take out politics and contract-seeking from this fight. If we do, we can end this madness in half a year,” Zulum declared.
Strengthening Intelligence and Targeting Saboteurs
Governor Zulum vowed to intensify intelligence operations in Borno to identify and deal decisively with saboteurs. “We know there are informants among security personnel, politicians, and even local communities. We will strengthen our intelligence capacity and deal with them ruthlessly,” he said.
The governor also addressed the issue of repentant Boko Haram fighters, acknowledging that while not all have fully reformed, the majority have reintegrated positively. “I won’t say 100% are reformed, but I can assure you that over 99% of those who surrendered are no longer involved in terrorist activities,” he noted.
Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Solutions Needed
Zulum emphasized the importance of combining military action with non-violent strategies to fully defeat insurgency. “A purely military approach won’t work. We must tackle the socio-economic and political roots of the conflict. Our non-kinetic measures, supported by the military, are producing good results,” he said.
While acknowledging that some of the over 500,000 repentant fighters may relapse, he believes the rehabilitation program is largely effective.
Insurgents Outgunning the Army with Drones
Zulum criticized the military’s lack of advanced equipment, claiming insurgents now use drones against Nigerian forces. He revealed that the Chief of Army Staff recently told him the military needs at least 32 drones to decisively turn the tide against Boko Haram.
“The Army is under-equipped. Right now, terrorists are using drones, and our soldiers are exposed. We need to act quickly and decisively,” the governor warned.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize ground-level intelligence and avoid being misled by sycophants. “The president must listen to professionals and people who understand the reality, not those sugar-coating the situation. Security should be above politics,” he stated.
Marte Under Threat Again
Zulum also expressed deep concern over renewed Boko Haram attacks in Marte, the only local government area in Borno previously free of insurgent control. Over 20,000 residents were recently displaced after a fresh wave of violence.
“Marte was resettled four years ago, but it was attacked again last week. Only one community remains. If we lose it, the entire LGA will fall to insurgents,” Zulum warned, appealing to the Federal Government and military to take immediate action.
Akpabio: Some Insurgents Are Foreigners
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed that some of the insurgents terrorizing Nigeria are not citizens. He said many cross into the country through porous borders, strike, and then retreat to their home countries.
“The attackers are not always Nigerian. Our borders are wide open, and they take advantage of that. There must be constant vigilance,” Akpabio said.
Senate Calls for Military Base in Adamawa
In response to renewed attacks in Adamawa State, the Senate has urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Hong Local Government Area to prevent further escalation.
This resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Amunu Iya Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central) and co-sponsored by all North-East senators. The motion detailed a series of violent attacks between February and May 2025 across communities in Hong and Gombi LGAs, resulting in dozens of deaths, destruction of homes, churches, schools, and displacement of thousands.
Rising Casualties Amid Boko Haram Resurgence
Senator Mohammed Monguno, Senate Chief Whip, acknowledged the military’s past success in reclaiming territories from insurgents but lamented a recent resurgence. “They’re now attacking military formations and seizing equipment. Last week, five soldiers were killed, and entire villages were massacred,” Monguno said.
He attributed some of the violence to internal clashes between rival Boko Haram factions, warning that the group remains a persistent and evolving threat.
