Boko Haram resurgence: Between Governor Zulum and Mohammed Idris

The recent exchange between Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, over the resurgence of Boko Haram in parts of Borno, has exposed a troubling gap between perception and reality. While Governor Zulum raised legitimate concerns about insurgents reclaiming territories, the minister’s dismissal of these […]

The recent exchange between Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, over the resurgence of Boko Haram in parts of Borno, has exposed a troubling gap between perception and reality. While Governor Zulum raised legitimate concerns about insurgents reclaiming territories, the minister’s dismissal of these warnings as unnecessary alarmism was not only insensitive but also politically tone-deaf.

Governor Zulum’s claims are not exaggerated. For instance, in Abadam Local Government, Boko Haram still controls all 10 wards and 63 electoral units, and of course there are armed forces of Nigeria stationed in Mallam Fatori but no established legitimate authority, the reality is that the Nigerian state doesn’t exert legitimate control over some LGAs.

Another example is Bama, the second or third largest town in the state, where over 1,000 towns and villages once thrived, only Bama town and Banki remain relatively safe. Similar conditions exist across northern Borno and parts of the central and southern senatorial districts. Thousands remain displaced, and economic activities in these areas remain crippled.

While the federal government under President Bola Tinubu has sustained counter-terrorism efforts—building on the progress made by previous administrations, the reality is that the insurgency is far from over. The president inherited this crisis, and while there have been successes, the pace of progress should be doubled. The military has made immense sacrifices, with many soldiers paying the ultimate price, but the job is not yet done. May God protect our patriotic men and women in uniforms.

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The minister’s dismissal of Governor Zulum’s warnings does more harm than good. When a governor, who interacts daily with displaced persons, travelling to high-risk areas and witnessing firsthand the devastation of insurgency, raises an alarm, the federal government should listen, not silence him. Downplaying security threats only erodes public trust, particularly in the North, where communities bear the brunt of terrorism.

Governor Zulum, however, could have been more diplomatic in his approach. Rather than engaging in a public spat, he should have escalated his concerns through official security channels to avoid creating the impression of a rift between the state and federal government. Since NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, is active and very concerned about the security situation in our country, he should have been the first point of contact. In my view, such disputes only weaken public confidence in President Tinubu’s administration, especially in the North, where security remains a top concern.

The federal government must acknowledge the realities on the ground and intensify counter-terrorism operations. Success should not be measured merely by the absence of large-scale attacks but by the full restoration of displaced communities and the complete dismantling of terrorist strongholds. The situation is very pathetic for the displaced population.

President Tinubu’s administration should also foster better collaboration with state governments in the North East. Open communication, rather than public disagreements, will strengthen the fight against insurgency. The sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces must not be in vain, what is needed now is decisive action, not denial.

It is advisable for President Tinubu to listen to Governor Zulum as well as Senator Ndume, who repeatedly call on the government to address the lingering security issue for the common good. Someone like Senator Ndume should be considered a partner in progress, not a critic; he is fearless and not a praise-singer; he always speaks truth to power.

On his part, President Tinubu also appointed the National Security Adviser, the Head of National Intelligence, two Defence Ministers, and the Chief of Defence Staff, all from the North. The question is: Should we still blame the president? It is now time for these appointees, along with northern governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and other thought leaders, to develop a comprehensive action plan to tackle insecurity.

The responsibility to restore peace and stability does not rest solely on the president. Those entrusted with key security and leadership positions must demonstrate accountability and proactive measures. The recurring violence, banditry, and insurgency demand urgent, coordinated efforts rather than political blame games.

The leaders from the North must collaborate with security agencies, traditional rulers, and local communities to implement sustainable solutions. These include intelligence sharing, community policing, economic empowerment for at-risk youth, and addressing the root causes of extremism. Also, transparency in security funding and operations is crucial to rebuilding public trust.

If the president has given the North prominent roles in security leadership, then the region’s representatives must deliver results. Endless finger-pointing will not solve the crisis; decisive action will. The time for excuses is over, it is time for leadership.

Sadly, Boko Haram still remains a clear and present danger in parts of Borno. While the federal government has made progress, it must redouble its efforts to ensure lasting peace. Governor Zulum’s concerns should serve as a wake-up call, not a point of contention. The Tinubu administration must act with urgency, transparency, and unity of purpose to finally bring an end to this prolonged crisis. The people of Borno, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve nothing less.

 

Adam, Ph.D., wrote from Maiduguri