Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has vowed to prevent any of the state’s 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) from falling into the hands of Boko Haram or its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The declaration, made following a high-stakes meeting with President Bola Tinubu on May 26, 2025, underscores a renewed commitment to fortifying Borno’s defenses and ensuring the safety of its communities amidst escalating insurgent activities. As the epicenter of a 15-year insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, Borno remains a critical battleground in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, and Zulum’s pledge signals a robust strategy to reclaim stability.
The meeting with President Tinubu, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, focused on addressing the deteriorating security situation in Borno, particularly in the wake of recent attacks that have heightened fears of territorial losses. Zulum, a governor known for his hands-on approach and frequent visits to vulnerable communities, expressed confidence in the federal government’s support and the Nigerian military’s capacity to counter the insurgents. “We are working closely with the military and other security agencies to ensure that no single local government in Borno is under the control of Boko Haram or ISWAP,” Zulum stated, emphasizing a collaborative effort to maintain territorial integrity. His words resonate with President Tinubu’s firm stance that “no inch of Nigerian soil will be surrendered to terrorists,” a position that has galvanized efforts to bolster security operations in the region.
The insurgency in Borno has evolved significantly since Boko Haram’s emergence in 2009, with ISWAP, a more organized and tactically sophisticated offshoot, posing an increasing threat. Recent reports indicate that insurgents have intensified attacks in LGAs such as Marte, Abadam, and Guzamala, leveraging advanced weaponry to challenge Nigerian forces. In Marte, for instance, only one community reportedly remains under government control, a stark reminder of the insurgents’ audacity and the challenges facing security forces. Zulum acknowledged the sophistication of the weapons used by the insurgents, noting that the federal government is actively investigating their sources and taking steps to curb their proliferation. “The federal government is doing everything possible to address this issue,” he assured, highlighting ongoing efforts to disrupt the insurgents’ supply chains.
Beyond military measures, Zulum emphasized a multifaceted approach to countering the insurgency. Community resilience, he argued, is a cornerstone of Borno’s defense strategy. The governor outlined plans to empower local volunteers, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilante groups, to complement military efforts. These community-based forces have played a critical role in providing intelligence and repelling attacks in remote areas where military presence is often stretched thin. “We are trying to strengthen our people, to ensure they have the resilience to stand and fight,” Zulum said, underscoring the importance of grassroots support in the broader security framework. This approach not only enhances local security but also fosters a sense of ownership among communities battered by years of violence.
The situation in Borno remains precarious, with recent attacks exposing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. In Marte, the near-total loss of government control has raised alarm bells, prompting urgent calls for reinforced military deployments and strategic interventions. Other LGAs, such as Gwoza, Bama, and Dikwa, have also faced sporadic assaults, with insurgents exploiting ungoverned spaces to launch ambushes and plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The humanitarian toll is staggering: over 2.5 million people remain displaced in the northeast, with Borno hosting the majority of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Zulum’s administration has prioritized resettling IDPs and rebuilding communities, but security remains a prerequisite for sustainable progress.
Zulum’s vow comes at a time when public confidence in the government’s ability to curb the insurgency has been tested. The governor’s proactive leadership, however, offers a glimmer of hope. Since taking office in 2019, Zulum has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for Borno’s people, often risking his life to visit conflict-affected areas and assess conditions firsthand. His administration has invested heavily in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to address the root causes of insurgency, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, which fuel recruitment into terrorist groups. “We cannot defeat terrorism with guns alone,” Zulum has often remarked, advocating for a holistic approach that combines kinetic operations with socioeconomic development.
The federal government’s backing, as reaffirmed during Zulum’s meeting with Tinubu, is a critical component of this strategy. President Tinubu has pledged additional resources, including advanced military equipment and intelligence support, to bolster operations in Borno. The Nigerian Air Force has intensified airstrikes on insurgent hideouts in the Lake Chad region, while ground forces have launched coordinated offensives to reclaim territories. Yet, challenges remain, including the need for better coordination among security agencies and addressing allegations of corruption that have hampered military effectiveness.
For the people of Borno, Zulum’s pledge is more than a political statement—it is a lifeline. Communities in LGAs like Monguno, Konduga, and Maiduguri have endured relentless attacks, yet their resilience endures. Stories of local heroes, from vigilantes repelling night raids to farmers defying threats to cultivate their lands, are a testament to the unyielding spirit of Borno’s people. Zulum’s commitment to protecting every LGA reflects this collective resolve, but it also underscores the enormity of the task ahead.
As the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP continues, the stakes could not be higher. A single LGA falling to insurgents could embolden terrorist groups, undermine public trust, and destabilize the region further. Governor Zulum’s vow, backed by federal support and community determination, sets the stage for a renewed offensive to secure Borno’s future. Whether through military might, community empowerment, or strategic reforms, the battle for Borno is a microcosm of Nigeria’s broader struggle against terrorism—a struggle that demands unwavering resolve, innovative solutions, and an unrelenting commitment to peace.
For now, the people of Borno wait, hopeful yet cautious, as their governor leads the charge to ensure that no inch of their homeland falls to the scourge of insurgency. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with Zulum’s leadership and the collective will of Borno’s people, the state stands poised to defy the odds and reclaim its place as a beacon of resilience in Nigeria’s northeast.
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