The Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has raised the alarm that the state seems to be losing ground to terrorists.
He spoke at the Government House, Maiduguri during an expanded security council meeting, which he noted was convened to hear the truth from major stakeholders, including traditional rulers and heads of security agencies in the state.
In attendance were the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major-General Abubakar Haruna; sector commanders; the commissioner of police and heads of other security agencies; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi; the Shehu of Bama, as well as the emirs of Biu, Uba, Askira and Gwoza.
Governor Zulum expressed concern over the recent Boko Haram attacks on major military formations across the state, saying the state was at risk of returning to turmoil.
“Many military locations were dislodged, especially in Wulgo, Sabongari, Wajirko, among others.
“It seems we are losing ground and this is a very important thing we need to discuss.
“Peace gradually returned to Borno within the last three years, but we are witnessing sporadic attacks in recent times,” the governor said.
He called for the deployment of fighter helicopters and the newly procured drones to support military operations in the affected locations.
“While we commend the Nigerian military, police, Department of State Security (DSS), as well as the paramilitary in maintaining law and order in the state, we also have to tell the truth; otherwise, all the gains we have made so far will be a mirage,” he said.
Zulum, who is also the chairman of the North-East Governors Forum, appealed to the federal government to give the zone the required attention.
But speaking at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Abuja, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu said the security agencies under his coordination were getting better results in terms of restoring stability back to the country.
“I want to once again use the opportunity to thank our armed forces, security forces, all the services, and indeed, the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who is working daily and we are improving.
“Daily, we are doing what we are asked to do. We are serving our country. We are restoring order, security and stability. We are getting freedom back to our people. We will continue to do so. We will not relent,” he said.
