The Nigerian Senate and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Wednesday jointly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the escalating terrorist attacks in the North-East region.
Governor Zulum stressed the importance of the President placing greater trust in the military’s professional advice rather than political opinions in combating Boko Haram insurgents.
Speaking on News Central’s Breakfast Central, Zulum highlighted that the prolonged insurgency could be curtailed by enhancing ground-level military intelligence and avoiding political interference. “The President needs to listen to the people who can tell him the right thing. The President should listen to the army,” he said, warning against politicising insecurity.
Zulum also revealed the troubling presence of informants and collaborators within the military, politicians, and communities aiding insurgents. “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, politicians, and communities,” he stated, urging a ruthless crackdown on these elements.
He criticised the current security procurement system, calling for an end to “contractocracy” and excessive bureaucracy, asserting that with the right focus, Nigeria could end the insurgency within six months. Zulum further lamented the military’s lack of adequate equipment, noting that insurgents have gained technological superiority.
Despite these challenges, Zulum commended the armed forces’ support for non-kinetic measures addressing the social and economic roots of the crisis, which he believes are crucial to ending the insurgency.
On the issue of surrendered insurgents, he affirmed that over 99% of repentant fighters have reintegrated positively into society, though he acknowledged the risk of relapse.
Meanwhile, the Senate passed a resolution calling for the establishment of a military base in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, to reinforce security in the region. The motion, sponsored by Senator Aminu Abbas and supported by North-East senators, highlighted the increasing attacks in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged sustained vigilance, noting Boko Haram’s tendency to exploit lapses in security. He also directed the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials to affected communities.
However, a presidential aide dismissed Zulum’s claims about Boko Haram’s superior weaponry, questioning the governor’s assertions and praising the military’s ongoing efforts. Similarly, a House of Representatives Defence Committee member called Zulum’s statements “way off the mark,” reaffirming confidence in the Nigerian military’s capabilities.
Reactions from northern state governments varied, with some supporting Zulum’s claims about insurgents’ use of drones, while others called for verification and urged unity in the fight against terrorism.
The debate underscores the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges and the urgent need for coordinated, professional-led responses to the insurgency.
