Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, have voiced grave concerns over a surge in attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) across several communities in the state.
The alarm was raised during an expanded security meeting held at the Government House in Maiduguri, where Governor Zulum warned that the situation could quickly spiral out of control if not urgently addressed by the federal government and national security forces.
“In recent times, Borno State has been witnessing sporadic attacks from Boko Haram insurgents. Many military formations have been dislodged, including in Wulgo, Wajiroko and Sabon Gari,” Zulum said. “It seems we are losing ground.”
The governor pointed to Borno’s location bordering Chad, Cameroon, and Niger as a key factor in the region’s vulnerability, especially amid growing instability in the wider Sahel region.
He commended previous efforts by the federal government and military but stressed the need for renewed focus on the northeast to prevent a reversal of hard-won gains against insurgency.
“The recent attacks on Sabon Gari, Damboa, Wulgo, Baga, and Monguno highlight the urgent need for aggressive military action and actionable intelligence,” Zulum said. “Our forces must go beyond defensive operations and take the battle to the insurgents.”
He called for sustained and proactive military strategies including intensified patrols, targeted strikes, and disruption of terrorist regrouping efforts.
Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s full support for security agencies, noting that development, peace, and security are deeply interconnected.
“The Borno State Government will continue to invest in infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods as part of our broader peacebuilding efforts. But this can only succeed if our security forces are adequately empowered to protect lives and property,” he added.
The Shehu of Borno also lent his voice to the concerns, calling for coordinated efforts to end the escalating violence and restore normalcy in the affected communities.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, revealed that the state’s security council reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing resettlement programs and pledged continued collaboration with security stakeholders.