In response to the escalating threat of insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, prominent voices including the Nigerian Senate and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, are calling on President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to combat terrorism.
Governor Zulum, in a televised interview, emphasized that political interference continues to hinder military effectiveness in the prolonged conflict against Boko Haram. He argued that military intelligence must take precedence over political opinions, warning that internal sabotage from informants within the military and political class is undermining counter-insurgency operations.
“The fight against insecurity must be depoliticized,” Zulum said. “We must act decisively against those who leak critical information to insurgents. This includes rooting out traitors within our armed forces and political systems.”
He proposed a fundamental shift in strategy, focusing on grassroots intelligence and the provision of advanced technology to outmatch insurgents who he claims are already deploying superior surveillance tools like drones.
Zulum also raised alarms over the sluggish pace of military procurement and strategy implementation, which he referred to as “contractocracy,” suggesting that bureaucratic red tape is slowing operational efficiency. He maintains that with the right approach, the insurgency could be ended within six months.
Meanwhile, at the federal level, the Senate adopted a resolution urging the immediate establishment of a military installation in Adamawa State’s Hong Local Government Area. The motion, introduced by Senator Aminu Abbas and co-sponsored by all North-East lawmakers, seeks to address the resurgence of attacks in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed concern over recent patterns of renewed violence, warning that Boko Haram tends to strike when security agencies appear to lower their guard.
“We commend the gallant efforts of our military but emphasize the need for constant vigilance and stronger border controls,” Akpabio noted.
Additionally, the Senate instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to communities impacted by the renewed violence.
Zulum’s claim that insurgents possess better technology than the Nigerian military sparked mixed reactions across the country. Some security analysts and state officials affirmed the possibility, especially given recent reports of drone use by insurgents. Others, including presidential aides and lawmakers, dismissed the claims as unfounded.
A presidential source countered Zulum’s assertion, arguing that if Boko Haram truly held a technological edge, they would have captured key territories like Maiduguri by now. “The governor’s continued residence in the Government House is evidence that the military is doing its job,” the aide said.
Several state governments shared varied perspectives. Zamfara acknowledged that while its security threat is different primarily involving bandits Zulum’s concerns about advanced technology in Borno might be valid. Kebbi called for thorough investigations into possible informants, while Sokoto opted not to engage in the debate, focusing instead on supporting existing military efforts.
Advisers from states like Nasarawa and Plateau stressed the need for the federal government to invest in technology and create a collective regional approach. They also emphasized community-level engagement and called for reforms like the introduction of state policing.
While there’s consensus on the need for stronger, more adaptive security strategies, the disagreement over the military’s capabilities and approach highlights the deep divisions in how Nigeria addresses its complex insurgency crisis.
