Senate and Borno Governor Demand Urgent Action as Boko Haram Attacks Escalate

The Nigerian Senate and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the escalating Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

Governor Zulum urged the President to heed military advice rather than political voices in tackling the crisis.

Speaking on News Central’s Breakfast Central, Zulum said, “The President needs to listen to the people who can tell him the right thing. The President should listen to the army. We should not politicise insecurity.” He warned that informants and collaborators within the armed forces, politicians, and communities are undermining efforts to restore peace.

Zulum revealed, “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, politicians, and communities,” and called for strengthened intelligence and decisive action against them.

He criticized the prevailing “contractocracy” and bureaucracy in security procurement, insisting that with proper focus, Nigeria could end the insurgency within six months. Zulum also pointed out the military’s lack of adequate equipment, claiming insurgents have technological superiority, including drones.

Despite these challenges, he praised the military’s support for non-kinetic measures addressing the social and economic causes of the insurgency.

Regarding surrendered insurgents, Zulum stated that over 99% have reintegrated positively, though some risk remains.

The Senate passed a resolution for establishing a military base in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, to strengthen security. The motion, sponsored by Senator Aminu Abbas and supported by North-East senators, cited increasing attacks in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need for vigilance, noting Boko Haram exploits security lapses. He also directed NEMA to provide relief to affected communities.

The Presidency disputed Zulum’s claims about Boko Haram’s superior weaponry, defending the military’s capabilities. Northern state governments offered mixed reactions, some supporting Zulum’s technological claims, others calling for verification and unity.

This situation highlights the complex security challenges facing Nigeria and the need for professional, intelligence-led responses.