Zulum Seeks Stronger Military Presence in Borno’s Vulnerable Communities
By Ali Mohammed Zanna, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for increased military deployment to vulnerable communities and major transport routes across the state to strengthen security and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.
The governor made the appeal on Saturday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Government House in Maiduguri, where he identified areas requiring additional military formations and sustained security operations.
Zulum said that despite improvements in the security situation, insurgent activities around the Lake Chad basin and some road networks remained a major concern, requiring more comprehensive operations to consolidate the gains recorded.
He urged the military to intensify operations along the shores of Lake Chad, noting that insurgent hideouts in the area continued to pose threats to communities in northern Borno. He stressed that lasting peace would require the clearance of the affected areas and the establishment of security structures to prevent insurgents from returning.
The governor also called for the expedited establishment of a military formation in Kukawa, citing the distance between the town and Monguno as a security challenge. He said a permanent military presence in the area would help protect surrounding communities and reduce the threat of attacks.
Zulum further disclosed that preparations were nearing completion for the establishment of military formations and the resettlement of displaced residents in Maiwa, Koshobe and neighbouring communities.
He also identified the Sabongari and Wajiriko axis as areas requiring additional security deployment to improve safety and restore movement along important routes.
On road transportation, the governor expressed concern over the difficulties faced by commuters travelling between Maiduguri and Bama, who have had to use longer alternative routes because of insecurity.
He urged the military to intensify efforts to reopen the direct Maiduguri–Bama road and the Tombo–Bama route to vehicular movement, saying improved access would ease the burden on residents and support economic activities.
The governor also called for stronger military capacity around Baga, particularly to sustain clearance operations along waterways and maintain a security presence in areas recovered from insurgents.
He said the state government would continue to provide logistical and infrastructural support to the military, adding that security operations must be followed by reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement to ensure lasting stability.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring normalcy in Borno State and other parts of the North-East.
Shaibu disclosed that the military had completed specialised training for 1,000 forest guards in Chibok to strengthen community-level security and support efforts to protect vulnerable areas.
He also acknowledged the Borno State Government’s continued support for military operations and infrastructure development.
Zulum assured the Army Chief of his administration’s readiness to work with the military, particularly Operation Hadin Kai, to improve security, protect returning residents and accelerate recovery in communities affected by insurgency.
