Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed optimism that the worst phase of the Boko Haram insurgency has passed, even as he acknowledged recent spikes in attacks across the state.
Governor Zulum stated this on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shuaibu Waidi, at the Military Command in Maiduguri.
He reflected on the turbulent years when Borno State was the epicentre of violent attacks, widespread displacements, and heavy casualties.
He explained that while the state continues to record incidents of violence, the frequency and magnitude of attacks have significantly reduced compared to the peak of the insurgency.
โYes, we have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and the security forces. But the worst is over; we shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end”, Zulum said.
He noted that the gradual return of normalcy in many communities, the reopening of key economic routes, and the resettlement of thousands of displaced persons point to a shifting trajectory.
According to him, these improvements demonstrate that the gains recorded in recent years are holding, despite isolated reversals.
โThe 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. The trajectory is towards peace, and we are committed to sustaining it”, the governor added.
Zulum urged residents of Borno to remain vigilant, cooperative, and supportive of the military and other security agencies. He stressed that winning the war against terrorism requires collective responsibility, particularly in intelligence gathering and early reporting of suspicious activities.
He also commiserated with the Nigerian Army over recent operational setbacks in parts of the theatre, describing the losses as painful but not demoralising.
Zulum commended the courage and dedication of troops who, he noted, continue to make extraordinary sacrificesโsometimes paying the supreme priceโto protect the state and the nation.
โOn behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to reiterate that we stand with the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We will not take their sacrifice for granted,โ he said.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Shuaibu Waidi, expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for his consistent support to the military. He assured that the Army Headquarters remains committed to equipping troops with the logistics and resources needed to successfully prosecute the counterinsurgency operations.
The meeting comes at a time when security agencies are recalibrating their strategies following recent attacks, even as authorities insist the momentum remains firmly in favour of restoring lasting peace to Borno State.
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