Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has raised concerns over the regrouping of Boko Haram insurgents in the Tumbus areas of Lake Chad and Mandara Hills, warning that the terrorists are regaining ground and continuing to pose a significant threat. The governor made this statement during a meeting in Maiduguri with the Minister of Defense, Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military commanders.
Governor Zulum acknowledged the efforts made by the military in combating Boko Haram insurgency in Borno and the broader northeastern region. However, he pointed out a worrying setback in military operations, stating that despite efforts to reclaim territories, Boko Haram and its affiliate group, ISWAP, are often able to take over these areas again once military operations cease.
“What we are facing now is that we conduct military exercises and operations, and after some time, we disengage. Boko Haram and ISWAP members return and reclaim the areas that were previously regained,” Zulum explained.
Zulum specifically highlighted the Tumbus water areas in Lake Chad as a major safe haven for Boko Haram fighters. According to the governor, the lake’s shores have never been effectively targeted by military operations, leaving it as a breeding ground for insurgents. These areas offer the terrorists a place to sustain their operations, acquire resources, and regroup.
“There has never been a time since the insurgency began that operations were carried out on the shores of the Tumbus in Lake Chad waters. This area has become a major base for Boko Haram militants,” Zulum said. “We need to ensure that military operations extend to these waterways, as insurgents operating in the northwest, north-central, and northeast return to these regions for their livelihoods.”
Zulum also pointed out the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders, especially in the Sahel region, which he believes remains a major source of infiltration for Boko Haram and ISWAP militants. He emphasized the importance of securing the Sahel, stating, “If the Sahel is not secure, Nigeria will never be secure.”
The governor’s concerns were compounded by the lack of adequate military manpower to cover vast and difficult terrains, such as the Timbuktu Triangle, Tumbus, and Mandara Hills. He appealed to the Nigerian Army to deploy additional trained personnel and advanced equipment to Borno to strengthen security operations.
Zulum called for more specialized military equipment, such as armoured vehicles, MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles), and fighter helicopters, to enhance the army’s effectiveness. He also underscored the importance of acquiring advanced drones and anti-drone technology to combat insurgents using these tools for attacks.
In particular, Zulum cited a recent attack in Wulgo, where Boko Haram and ISWAP militants used drones to target Nigerian forces. “Drones have become a major tool for the insurgents, and we need to equip our military with the technology to counter this,” he said.
In response to the governor’s concerns, Defense Minister Badaru Abubakar assured that the federal government would provide additional military support to Borno State and the northeast. Abubakar, who was accompanied by top military officials, emphasized that the government was committed to addressing the security challenges in the region.
“The President has given us the directive to provide everything needed to stop this rising insecurity. We are here to engage with the state and find out what additional resources are required to halt this new wave of violence,” Abubakar stated.
The minister expressed confidence that the recent security challenges would be overcome, noting that Borno had previously experienced relative peace and that the government was determined to restore stability.
“We know that Borno State has enjoyed relative peace due to your determination, and people have returned to their towns and villages to rebuild their lives. We will ensure that the recent security threats do not undo the progress made,” he assured.
Governor Zulum reiterated his commitment to working with the federal government and the military to tackle Boko Haram insurgency and restore lasting peace to Borno State. He expressed hope that with increased support and coordination, the security situation in the state would improve.
“The military’s cooperation with the people of Borno has been invaluable, and we will continue to support your efforts to eliminate Boko Haram and ISWAP from our communities,” Zulum concluded.
