Mohamed Garba
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has vowed to prevent Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents from capturing any Local Government Area (LGA) in the embattled northeastern state, following a critical security meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The governor’s declaration comes days after terrorists launched a brazen attack on Marte, a northern Borno town, reigniting concerns over the region’s fragile security. Addressing journalists on Thursday, Zulum emphasized the urgency of adopting “stronger, more proactive strategies” to counter insurgent threats, while reaffirming his administration’s resolve to safeguard communities.
“No local government shall be allowed to be taken over by Boko Haram or ISWAP. It will never happen now,” Zulum asserted. “I urge the Nigerian Armed Forces, civilian authorities, and all stakeholders to rise to the occasion and defend our territories.”
The governor revealed that his closed-door discussions with President Tinubu centered on bolstering military operations and advancing long-term solutions, including the establishment of a federally backed “forest guard” initiative to monitor vulnerable areas. He also highlighted the insurgents’ use of sophisticated weaponry, urging federal intervention to curb arms trafficking.
Zulum praised recent tactical adjustments by Nigeria’s military, stating, “The armed forces have taken decisive steps to curtail the resurgence of attacks, and we trust these efforts will yield results.” He further pledged to enhance local resilience by mobilizing civilian volunteers to support security forces — a strategy previously credited with repelling insurgent incursions in parts of Borno.
Borno, the epicenter of Nigeria’s 15-year insurgency, has seen sporadic attacks persist despite military claims of degraded terrorist capabilities. The Marte assault reveals lingering vulnerabilities, particularly in remote LGAs where militants exploit porous borders and vast ungoverned spaces.
President Tinubu’s administration has faced mounting pressure to re-evaluate security tactics, with Zulum’s latest appeal echoing calls from regional leaders for improved coordination and resource allocation. The proposed forest guard force, modeled after civilian-led patrols in neighboring countries, aims to disrupt insurgent movements and intelligence networks.
As the region braces for renewed military operations, residents remain cautiously hopeful. “The governor’s words are strong, but we need action,” said Musa Ibrahim, a displaced trader from Marte. “We cannot afford more empty promises.”
Zulum, known for his hands-on approach to governance, has frequently clashed with insurgents during field visits to conflict zones. His latest pledge signals a defiant stance amid escalating threats, with the world watching whether federal and state forces can translate rhetoric into lasting security.
Borno State has endured over a decade of violence linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP, with thousands killed and millions displaced. While the Nigerian military has reclaimed major towns since 2015, insurgents continue to launch guerrilla attacks from rural enclaves and across Lake Chad borders. Governor Zulum’s security advocacy has drawn national acclaim, though challenges persist in stabilizing the region.
