Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensuring that no Local Government Area (LGA) in the state succumbs to Boko Haram or ISWAP terrorists.
Speaking to State House correspondents after a crucial meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Governor Zulum said he visited the President to provide an update on the security situation in the North-East, with a particular focus on Borno State.
According to Hobnob News Nigeria, the meeting comes on the heels of a recent insurgent attack on Marte town. In the wake of that attack, Zulum had publicly appealed to the Federal Government for more decisive action to prevent the town from falling to extremist groups.
Addressing the media on Monday, the governor expressed cautious optimism, stating that the federal government had already begun responding to his appeal.
“Honourably speaking, we made a plea to the federal government of Nigeria, and I believe within the last couple of days, the Nigerian armed forces have taken some certain decisions that will curtail the imminence of the insurgency,” Zulum said.
He revealed that new measures, including the planned establishment of forest guards, could be a game-changer in the ongoing fight against terrorism. “Most importantly, some plans are underway by the federal government, especially the establishment of forest guards. That will be a game-changer,” he noted.
Zulum also raised concerns over the sophisticated weaponry used by insurgents but added that the federal government is actively working on strategies to address this threat. “The president has given me assurance that they will do everything to control the situation,” he stated.
Reiterating his personal commitment, Zulum vowed that Borno will not allow any LGA to fall into the hands of Boko Haram or ISWAP. “A few days ago I made a call that no local government shall be allowed to be taken over by Boko Haram or ISWAP members. It will never happen now,” he said.
He called on the Nigerian Armed Forces, civilian authorities, and all stakeholders to rise to the challenge and protect the state’s territories. “I believe, inshallah, with the support of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents,” he concluded.
The governor also emphasized the importance of strengthening community resilience and volunteer efforts to complement military operations in the state.
