Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has accused some Nigerian politicians, soldiers, and community members of secretly working with Boko Haram terrorists.
Speaking on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, during an interview with News Central’s Breakfast Central, the governor made a strong declaration to confront anyone sabotaging the fight against insurgency.
“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,” Zulum said.
He stated that the government must stop turning insecurity into a business opportunity.
“Let’s remove contractocracy. In six months, we can put an end to this madness. We need not politicise insecurity,” he added.
Majority of Surrendered Insurgents Are Behaving Well
Governor Zulum also addressed the issue of surrendered insurgents. He acknowledged that not all of them are behaving properly, but noted that most are now peaceful.
“I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism,” he said.
He explained that both military force and social solutions are needed to end terrorism.
“Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place,” Zulum stated.
He described non-kinetic measures as social, political, and economic actions that address the root causes of insecurity. He added that such efforts are already helping, thanks to support from the Nigerian military.
Insurgents Now Use Technology, Army Needs Support
Zulum warned that insurgents have become more advanced and now use modern technology against Nigerian troops. He said the Nigerian Army lacks the tools needed to match them.
“The Army doesn’t have the necessary equipment on ground to fight the insurgents, and I want to also inform you that, right now, the insurgents are using technology to fight the soldiers on ground,” he said.
He revealed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, had told him the Army urgently needs 32 drones for better intelligence and combat operations.
“A few days ago, I had a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Army Staff said that he is looking for 32 drones to end the insurgency and he’s right,” Zulum said.
He added that each drone costs about $5.5 million and called for joint funding to buy them.
Call for Unity and Direct Military Procurement
Zulum criticised delays in military equipment procurement and suggested direct government-to-government deals.
“Another issue we shall look into is the procurement of military equipment, both hardware and software. Let’s deal directly, government to government, so that we can get value for money,” he said.
He claimed that some contractors do not supply equipment after collecting money.
Despite the challenges, Zulum remains hopeful that with strong cooperation, Nigeria can defeat insurgency quickly.
“If we want to do right, we can put ourselves together and this madness will end within six months. But the right thing must be done,” he said.
He called for a joint effort between federal and state governments to focus on security.
“Federal Government and state governments must come together, we need to prioritise security, and then we need not to politicise insecurity which is very important, the Federal Government needs to listen to us, we shall offer our services and advise on how we can move forward,” Zulum stated.
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