“FG Ready To Reclaim Security Situation In Borno, NE” –  Defence Minister

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, on Thursday, April 25, 2025, expressed concern about the inadequate manpower and military equipment to effectively man the large swap of forests and international borders that dot the landscape of the State.

But the Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru, assured of Federal Government’s commitment towards halting the renewed wave of terrorist activities in the State and other parts of the North East.

Governor Zulum who spoke while receiving a Federal Government delegation in the State to interact with the State Government and other stakeholders on the recent upsurge in terrorist attacks on some parts of the State, however expressed  optimism that the visit will mark a turning point in the fight against terrorism in the region.

“I want to most sincerely thank you for this visit, and it is our sincere hope that this visit will change the security narrative in Borno State.

“A lot has been said about what is ongoing in Borno State, but God willing, I am optimistic that the security situation will be arrested very soon”, Zulum stated.

While calling for commitment on the part of parties, he pledged the continued support of the Borno State Government to all the Security Agencies in the quest to defeat insurgency not just in the State ,but in the entire North East region.

Governor Zulum also commended the Federal Government, Heads of Security Agencies and Security Personnel for their dedication and sacrifices to the people of Borno State.

“I want to assure you that I will provide the necessary political aid and commitment needed to collaborate and support the Nigerian military in their task of ending insurgency.”

“However, some of the problems we are facing in Borno State include limited manpower to manage our forests.

“While I am aware of the constraints of the Nigerian Army, because you are everywhere -North-west ,North- central, North- east , and even South-south, and South-east, I still believe that the Army should look into the possibilities of sending more trained personnel to the North East”,  Governor Zulu noted.

According to him, the fate of the State, the North East and other security- challenged parts of the North depend on the effective protection of the Sahel Region.

He, therefore, called for the fortification of security in and around the country’s international borders, with a view to adequately control  undocumented immigrants that flood the country through the porous borders.

“If the Sahel is not secured, the entire Nigeria will not be secured. So there is the need to fortify the security situation in the Sahel in order to end the influx of illegal immigrants”, Governor Zulum stated.

On his part ,the Defence Minister  assured  the Governor and the people of the State of the readiness of the Federal Government to effectively address the security situation.

According to him, the Federal Government delegation is in the State on the expressed directives of President Bola Tinubu to fashion out  ways of halting the incursion of terrorist, not just in Borno, but the entire North East region.

“Ours is to find out what is needed in terms of men and equipment. The President has given us the directive to make sure we provide everything required to stop this ugly trend.

“We  know that Borno has enjoyed relative peace for some time now due to your determination and people have returned to their towns and villages to rebuild their lives.

“I want to  assure you, on behalf of the President, that we will nip this in the bud, and restore the peace that we have enjoyed in recent years”, Badaru asserted.

The Source reports that there have been renewed attacks on many parts of Borno State in recent times, particularly, in Gwoza and other  resettlements.

The attacks have led to the death of several military personnel and civilians, and wrought severe damage on both public and private facilities.

The increase in the wave of terrorist attacks some weeks back prompted Governor Zulum to raise concerns about the State being taken over by ISWAP and  Boko Haram insurgents.