ABUJA, Nigeria — Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has vowed that no local government area in the state will be surrendered to insurgents, even as attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) intensify in Nigeria’s north-east.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, May 26, 2025, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Zulum described the security situation in northern Nigeria, particularly in the north-east, as deteriorating and said urgent action is needed.
“Things are not getting very well in northern Nigeria, particularly in the north-east,” the governor said, noting that insurgents have recently increased attacks on military positions and civilian populations in Borno State.
Zulum said his visit was aimed at briefing the president on the latest security developments and to seek enhanced federal intervention.
“We made a plea to the federal government, and I believe within the last couple of days, the Nigerian armed forces have taken certain decisions that will curtail the imminence of the insurgency,” he said.
Among the proposals discussed is the creation of forest guard units, which Zulum described as potentially transformative in the fight against insurgency.
These local security outfits would provide ground-level intelligence and act as early responders in rural areas.
“That will be a game-changer,” he said.
The governor also raised alarm over the increasing use of sophisticated weaponry by terrorist groups.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to mobilising local volunteers and vigilante groups to support the Nigerian military’s operations in vulnerable areas.
“On my own part, as the governor of Borno State, I will not relent in my effort in strengthening the resilience of our community,” Zulum said.
“It will never happen now. I believe, inshallah, with the support of the Nigerian Army and with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents.”
Zulum expressed confidence in the federal government’s responsiveness to the crisis and said both state and national efforts were aligning to confront the escalating threat.
His comments follow recent revelations on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, when he accused elements within the political class and security institutions of colluding with insurgents.
Speaking to News Central TV, Zulum said: “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly.”
Borno State has been at the epicentre of the insurgency for more than a decade.
