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Borno, Nigeria - The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum has expressed concern about the re-emergence of Boko Haram insurgents in the Tumbus region of Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills within the Sambisa Forest.
Zulum pointed out what he referred to as a setback in military efforts, noting that Boko Haram members are multiplying in the Tumbus water areas without substantial military intervention to remove them.
He made these comments in Maiduguri on Friday during a visit from the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; and other senior military officials. Acknowledging the military's ongoing efforts against Boko Haram in Borno and the North-East, Zulum highlighted a resurgence of terrorist activities in certain locations, focusing particularly on the Tumbus by Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills in the Sambisa Forest.
Zulum stated, “Currently, we conduct military exercises, but after a while, we pull back, allowing Boko Haram and ISWAP members to reclaim areas that were previously secured. Since the insurgency began, there have been no military operations along the shores of Tumbus in Lake Chad, and it has become a haven for insurgents where they can find resources and sustain their activities.”
He emphasized the need for military operations to extend to waterways, as insurgents from various regions, Northwest, North Central, and Northeast, are likely to return to the Sahel and Tumbus for sustenance. Zulum outlined some challenges faced in Borno, including insufficient military personnel serving the Timbuktu triangle, Tumbus, Mandara hills, and Nigeria's porous borders with Sahelian states.
He noted the critical importance of manpower, acknowledging the operational strains on the Nigerian army, which is stretched thin across multiple regions.
However, he urged the army to consider deploying more trained personnel to the Northeast. Recognizing the distinctions between Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits, Zulum pointed out that Boko Haram and ISWAP receive international support, exacerbating Nigeria's security issues due to inadequate border control.
“If the Sahel remains unsecured, Nigeria cannot achieve security,” he warned, calling for strengthened security measures in the Sahel to address nationwide crises.
He reiterated the necessity for increased military personnel and continuous military operations.
Zulum also appealed to the defense minister for additional military equipment, including tanks, MRAPs, and necessary ammunition for successful operations.
He stressed the importance of air support, acknowledging the challenges in acquiring military aircraft yet highlighting the need for attack helicopters and drones, particularly in light of a recent attack in Wulgo executed via armed drones.
He urged the Nigerian military to enhance its capabilities through the acquisition of advanced drones and anti-drone technology to effectively combat these threats.
Zulum noted the importance of combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, sharing that Borno State has welcomed over 300,000 repentant Boko Haram members in the last three years, among whom many are non-combatants like farmers.
Despite the challenges, Zulum expressed hope for improvements in the security situation and committed to supporting the military in ending the Boko Haram insurgency.
Minister Badaru reassured that the Federal Government is prepared to offer greater military assistance to confront the security issues in Borno and the North-East.
He stated their objective is to gather information on what the military requires to counter the rising insecurity in Borno State and the North-East. Badaru confirmed that the President has instructed them to ensure all necessary resources are provided to combat this pressing challenge.
He acknowledged the relative peace Borno has enjoyed recently due to Zulum’s efforts, confirming that the state has the capability to address the new security threats effectively.
