Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State on Wednesday stated that the security situation in the state has improved considerably, declaring that “the worst is over.”
Speaking during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Shuaibu Waidi in Maiduguri, he noted that while challenges remain, the overall security landscape has significantly improved compared to the height of the crisis in previous years.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and to support the military and other security agencies by providing timely intelligence.
He stressed that the fight against terrorism requires collective effort, emphasizing that community cooperation is crucial in preventing attacks and sustaining peace.
“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,” Zulum said. “We shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end.”
Zulum praised the bravery and sacrifice of officers and soldiers, describing them as heroes who risk their lives to protect the nation. He reiterated Borno State’s support for the Nigerian Armed Forces, assuring them that their efforts are recognized and valued.
In response, Lt. Gen. Waidi assured that Army headquarters would provide the necessary logistics and resources to troops operating in the North-East.
Highlighting remaining terrorist strongholds, the governor called for full-scale joint operations involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force to clear the Tumbus Islands, Mandara Hills, and Sambisa Forest.
He expressed frustration that these areas, despite years of military engagement, have not been fully neutralized and continue to provide safe havens for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
“A thorough military operation that involves the Naval, Air Force, and Army, purposely intended to rid the Mandara Hills and Tumbus of terrorists, has never been conducted,” Zulum said. “Enhanced aerial surveillance with additional UAVs is vital to achieving decisive victories.”
The governor identified the Sambisa Game Reserve and Mandara Hills as the last major enclaves sheltering insurgent factions, insisting that a coordinated multi-agency operation is essential to neutralize these threats.
