Zulum Slams Minister Of Information As ‘Naive’ Over Borno Security, Vows Boko Haram Will Be Defeated Again

Maiduguri Borno State – Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has sharply criticised Nigeria’s Minister of Information, accusing him of being “naive” about the worsening security situation in the country and lacking understanding of the realities on the ground in Borno.

Zulum made this statement on Saturday, during a press briefing following the killing of eight people by an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by Boko Haram insurgents along the Damboa-Maiduguri road.

“I don’t want to join issues with the Minister of Information,” Zulum said. “But I believe he’s naive of what is happening in the country. He doesn’t know what is ongoing in the country.”

The governor’s criticism follows the minister’s recent comments downplaying the resurgence of insurgent attacks in the northeast, particularly in Borno State.

Zulum clarified that his recent alarm during a security council meeting was not political but a genuine call to action.

“What we discussed during the security council meeting was not bad,” Zulum explained.

“We just raised an alarm that there is a resurgence of activities in Borno State and there is a need for the Borno State government, the military, as well as paramilitary forces, to work together in order to avert the looming situation. I think that is a very good advice. Nothing more.”

The governor, visibly distressed by the latest attack that claimed eight lives, expressed his condolences and revealed the scale of the incident.

“Eight lost their lives. About seven people are severely injured and 14 others sustained minor injuries,” he said. “But we shall ensure that movement from Maiduguri to Damboa will continue. This will not deter us.”

Zulum states the need for community resilience and urged the Nigerian military to intensify efforts in securing the affected areas.

“I want to advise the communities to be resilient enough. I want to advise the Nigerian Army to be resilient enough, because there’s no way people will travel a distance of 700 kilometers to go to Damboa. Ordinarily, they come here — Damboa is only about 100 kilometers away.”

Despite the attack, Zulum remains hopeful. He disclosed that he had visited Abuja recently and received strong assurances from top military officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Chief of Air Staff.

“We are so happy with the response we had from the service chiefs. The government of Borno State will continue to partner with the Nigerian military and the federal government to reduce the menace of the insurgency,” he said.

Reiterating his commitment to eradicating terrorism in Borno, Zulum declared: “I want to assure the people of Borno State that Insha Allah, under my watch, Boko Haram will not have the capacity to do what they did before. We shall do everything possible to curtail them.”

He also pledged further support for civilian defense groups including vigilantes, hunters, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

“I will keep up to the expectations of the people of Borno State by completely addressing the problem of insecurity. What has been happening these days will not be allowed to remain unchanged.”