By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that the worst of Boko Haram insurgency is over, even as he acknowledged recent surges in attack by the terrorist group.
Governor Zulum made the statement during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Shuaibu Waidi in Maiduguri.
Zulum, while delivering his remarks at the meeting, further reflected on the more escalated security situation the state had previously endured. He stated that compared to the peak of the crisis years ago, the current security landscape, despite recent setbacks, shows significant improvement.
Zulum also called on the people of Borno State to continue giving their necessary cooperation and support to the military and other security agencies. He emphasised that the war against terrorism requires a collective effort, urging residents to be vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security operatives to prevent attacks and ensure a lasting return to peace in the state.
“Yes, we have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and the security forces, but the worst is over; we shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end,” Zulum said.
“The frequency and scale of attacks on our communities then were overwhelming. Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us. The trajectory is towards peace, and we are committed to sustaining it,” he added.
Zulum commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the recent tactical setbacks across the theatre. He praised the sacrifice and bravery of the officers and soldiers, describing them as heroes who, in some cases, pay the ultimate price for the nation’s security.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to reiterate that we stand with the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We will not take their sacrifice for granted,” the governor assured.
Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi, while giving the assurance of the Army Headquarters to provide necessary logistics to the troops, also commended Governor Zulum for his support to the armed forces.
He said, “I want to most sincerely, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, extend our appreciation to His Excellency for visiting us at a time like this. We appreciate your support in Borno.
“We have confidence in our society here in the theatre and from the Army Headquarters, we will provide all the necessary resources needed to ensure they achieve their mission.”
The meeting was attended by the state’s Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullah Ishaq (rtd) and other senior government officials.
