Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has vowed that no local government area in the state will be allowed to fall into the hands of Boko Haram terrorist or the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) insurgents.
Zulum was at the State House in Abuja on Monday where he updated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the security situation in his state.
The governor’s unyielding stance against renewed security threats in the region negated his earlier claim that three local government areas in the state – Marte, Abadam and Dikwa – had been taken over by insurgents.
He urged all relevant stakeholders – military, civilian authorities, and the general public – to work in unity to secure every inch of Nigerian territory.
“I’m calling on the Nigerian Armed Forces, the civilian authorities, and all those that are concerned to rise up to the matter and defend our local government areas,” Zulum had said on May 18 during a visit to Marte.
But it was a different tune from the governor yesterday after briefing Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
“A few days ago, I made a call that no local government shall be allowed to be taken over by Boko Haram or ISWAP members. It will never happen now,” Zulum told State House reporters after his meeting with the president.
Zulum emphasized that with strengthened collaboration between the Nigerian armed forces, civilian authorities, and local communities, the state would decisively push back against insurgent advances.
He went on: “In sha Allah, with the support of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents.” he said.
