Mounting concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram in Nigeria’s North-East region have prompted an urgent call for action from both the Senate and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum. Amid rising security threats, including attacks on communities and military formations, the pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to revamp counter-insurgency strategies is intensifying.
During a live interview on News Central’s “Breakfast Central,” Governor Zulum minced no words in urging President Tinubu to lean on the professional advice of military experts rather than political appointees in managing Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency war. He also made explosive claims about internal sabotage within Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The President needs to listen to the army, not politicians. We should not politicise insecurity,” Zulum said, asserting that Nigeria could dismantle the insurgency within six months if the right steps are taken.
The governor’s remarks, which included allegations that some politicians and soldiers are aiding Boko Haram as informants, have triggered widespread reactions from both federal lawmakers and regional governments.
In a parallel development at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution calling for the immediate establishment of a military base in the Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. This followed a motion sponsored by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP–Adamawa) and supported by all North-East lawmakers.
Titled “Resurgence of Boko Haram Activities in Hong and Gombi Local Government Areas, Adamawa and Other North-East States,” the motion highlighted a disturbing uptick in terrorist operations, especially in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned of the consequences of complacency.
“Any time the military relaxes, Boko Haram strikes with renewed force,” Akpabio cautioned. “We must be vigilant and proactive.”
The Senate also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver immediate relief materials to displaced communities in the affected regions.
Governor Zulum warned that Boko Haram had gained technological superiority, including the use of drones and sophisticated weapons—claims that sparked both support and skepticism across the political and security spectrum.
“The army doesn’t have the equipment to match the insurgents,” Zulum stated. “We must stop excessive bureaucracy in security procurement and eliminate the ‘contractocracy’ weakening our fight.”
Despite his harsh assessment, Zulum commended the military’s embrace of non-kinetic approaches to insurgency, including community engagement and socioeconomic reintegration programs.
“Insurgency cannot be defeated by bullets alone. Over 99% of repentant insurgents have reintegrated successfully,” he said.
However, a top presidential aide dismissed Zulum’s claims as exaggerated, saying it’s illogical to believe Boko Haram possesses superior firepower to the Nigerian military.
“If Boko Haram were truly stronger, Governor Zulum wouldn’t be living in his Government House,” the aide quipped, emphasizing that the President receives regular intelligence briefings from security chiefs.
A member of the House Committee on Defence also refuted the governor’s claims, calling them “emotionally driven” and “technically flawed.”
“The Nigerian military remains one of the most capable in Africa. Zulum’s comments are misleading,” the lawmaker noted.
The reactions from northern state governments have been varied. While Zamfara State acknowledged the possibility that insurgents in Borno might be using drones, it noted that banditry in its own state remains largely low-tech, dominated by AK-47-wielding gunmen.
Kebbi State, meanwhile, urged the Federal Government to verify Zulum’s claims before taking action, stressing that such allegations—if true—demand swift investigation and internal cleansing.
Sokoto State’s Special Adviser on Security, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), opted for a conciliatory tone, stating the state had “no issues” with security forces and would avoid “blame games.”
“Our focus is on supporting security operatives to end the violence,” he stated.
Nasarawa and Plateau states, however, echoed Zulum’s call for better intelligence, technology-driven responses, and the urgent implementation of state police.
“Without local intelligence and technical superiority, we’ll always play catch-up,” said Peter Ahemba, an aide to Governor Sule of Nasarawa.
“No state can handle this alone. There must be a regional and national strategy,” added Yiljap Abraham, a senior adviser to Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Security analysts say the current tension between state governors and the Federal Government reflects deeper institutional failures in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency structure.
Dr. Hassan Mohammed, a defence analyst with the Abuja Policy Centre, said:
“What Zulum is demanding isn’t new. The military needs better funding, fewer procurement bottlenecks, and insulation from political influence.”
He also warned against dismissing governors’ input, especially those leading frontline states.
“These governors live the crisis daily. Their perspectives are valid and often reflect ground realities.”
As the Tinubu administration grapples with mounting security pressure, the dual call for urgency—from the Senate and Governor Zulum—underscores a growing consensus: Boko Haram’s threat is far from over, and Nigeria cannot afford bureaucratic inertia.
With the humanitarian crisis escalating and community fears intensifying, the country may be at a pivotal moment. The question remains: will political leadership translate these calls into actionable, strategic reforms?