Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has urged the Federal Government to intensify its collaboration with state authorities in the fight against growing insurgency threats in the North East, especially in Borno.
Speaking to reporters after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday, Governor Zulum said the deteriorating security situation prompted his visit.
“Purposely, I came to brief him on the security situation in the Northeast and, in particular, Borno State,” Zulum said. “Things are not getting very well in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North East.”
The governor, who recently concluded a week-long assessment tour of some of the most affected local government areas in the state, highlighted the urgency of coordinated efforts to address the rising attacks on both civilian populations and military formations.
Zulum emphasized the need for enhanced synergy between federal and state forces, including the possible deployment of forest guards to combat insurgents exploiting remote terrain for cover.
“One of the strategies we discussed is the establishment of forest guards to secure difficult terrains where Boko Haram and ISWAP militants operate,” he stated. “Some of these elements are armed with sophisticated weapons, and we need to match that threat accordingly.”
The governor reiterated his administration’s determination not to cede any territory to insurgents and urged the Armed Forces to scale up their defensive posture across all local government areas.
According to him, President Tinubu assured him of the federal government’s full support and commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
