overnor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has responded to a news report suggesting that the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the governor’s concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the state. Zulum had earlier raised alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings, stating that the insurgents are regaining ground with minimal resistance from security forces. He made these remarks during a meeting with security agencies in Maiduguri on Tuesday, where he urged coordinated efforts to address the situation.
According to Daily Trust, Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to wreak havoc in the northeast, targeting civilians and military installations and displacing thousands. However, a separate publication claimed that the Information Minister dismissed the governor’s concerns. In a swift rebuttal, Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, issued a statement describing the publication as false and misleading. “At no time did the Minister say, ‘Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno.’ Such a headline is sensational and a deliberate act of misinformation,” the statement read.
In an interview with journalists, Governor Zulum said he would not exchange words with the Minister but believed the Information Minister is unaware of the gravity of the situation. “I believe he is naive of what is happening in the country. Our discussions during the Security Council meeting were not confrontational. We merely raised the alarm over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in Borno and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the state government, military, and paramilitary forces,” Zulum explained, adding that such warnings should be seen as constructive.
He assured residents that proactive steps are already being taken. The governor revealed that he had met with key service chiefs in Abuja and received assurances that the military would respond robustly to the emerging threats. “Under my watch, Boko Haram will not regain the capacity they once had. We will strengthen our support to the military, and mobilize our civilian joint task force, hunters, and vigilantes,” he said. Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace, saying, “Since taking office in 2019, we’ve made significant progress. What is happening now will not be allowed to continue unchecked.”
