Cynthia Ezegwu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Wednesday said the security situation in the state has significantly improved, declaring that “the worst is over,” despite recent attacks by insurgents.
Zulum made the remarks during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Shuaibu Waidi, at the Government House, Maiduguri.
The governor acknowledged that Borno had witnessed a series of attacks on communities and security forces in recent weeks but maintained that the frequency and scale of such incidents had drastically reduced when compared to the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.
“Yes, we have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and the security forces, but the worst is over,” Zulum said. “The frequency and scale of attacks then were overwhelming. Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us.”
He called on residents to intensify cooperation with the military and other security agencies by providing timely intelligence to prevent further attacks. Zulum emphasised that the fight against terrorism requires collective effort and vigilance.
The governor also commiserated with the Nigerian Army over recent losses in the region, praising the bravery of officers and soldiers who continue to confront insurgents across the North-East.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff assured that the Army headquarters would provide additional logistics to strengthen ongoing operations and commended the governor for his consistent support to security agencies.
“We appreciate your support in Borno,” Waidi said. “From Army headquarters, we will provide all the necessary resources needed to ensure troops achieve their mission.”
The meeting comes a day after Zulum urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to launch a full-scale joint operation targeting insurgent strongholds in the Lake Chad Tumbus Islands, the Mandara Hills, and the Sambisa Forest.
READ ALSO: Zulum Demands Troops in Borno Border Towns After Attack
Speaking during a separate visit by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Zulum expressed frustration over persistent attacks originating from the Lake Chad axis, describing the Tumbus and Mandara Hills as entrenched operational bases for Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“A thorough military operation involving the Naval, Air Force and Army to clear the Mandara Hills and Tumbus has never been conducted,” Zulum said. “If we want to bring down insurgency, we must address the challenges in Lake Chad.”
He also urged the Air Force to deploy more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to enhance surveillance and improve rapid response capability in the North-East theatre.
Zulum identified the Sambisa Game Reserve and the Mandara Hills as the last major enclaves used by terrorist factions, insisting that only a coordinated multi-agency assault would neutralise remaining threats.