COAS Credits Governor’s Support for Military Gains in Borno
By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged the Nigerian military to expedite preparations for a coordinated offensive under Operation Lake Sanity to flush out insurgents operating along the shores and islands of Lake Chad.
Zulum made the call on Saturday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, during a courtesy visit at the New Council Chamber, Government House, Maiduguri.
The governor said sustained military pressure on insurgents around Lake Chad was critical to preventing further attacks on communities in northern Borno and consolidating the security gains recorded in the state.
He commended the Nigerian Army for improvements in the security situation but called for additional troop deployments to strategic locations, including Kareto, Baga and the Sabon Gari–Wajiroko axis.
According to him, strengthening the military presence in these areas would help protect vulnerable communities, secure waterways and facilitate the reopening of the Damboa–Biu road.
“The recent attacks on some communities in northern Borno are a result of the presence of insurgents along the shores of Lake Chad. We cannot achieve complete peace without undertaking major military operations in that area,” Zulum said.
The governor acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the proposed offensive and the coordination among the service chiefs but urged the military authorities to accelerate its commencement.
“I understand that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has provided the necessary support for the operation. I urge you to hasten the process so that the insurgents threatening northern Borno can be dislodged,” he stated.
Zulum Seeks Stronger Military Presence in Strategic Areas
The governor stressed the need to strengthen the amphibious command in Baga to enable troops to clear waterways and secure strategic positions necessary for sustaining the gains of the planned operation.
He also called for the speedy establishment of a military formation in Kareto along the Gubio–Damasak corridor, as well as increased military presence around Sabon Gari and Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government Area.
He said these deployments would support efforts to restore safe vehicular movement along the Damboa–Biu road and improve security for residents and travellers.
Zulum also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for facilitating the training of about 1,000 forest guards, who had completed their training and been deployed to Borno State.
The governor noted that the forest guards would complement existing security efforts in the state.
Army Operations Must Lead to Resettlement — Zulum
Beyond military operations, Zulum emphasised the need to consolidate security gains through reconstruction, rehabilitation and the resettlement of displaced residents.
He commended the Nigerian Army for supporting the re-establishment of the Mairari community and disclosed that preparations were ongoing for military formations and community resettlement in Maiwa, Koshobe and Ala.
“Military operations must be followed by stabilisation measures, including reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement. Borno State Government will provide the support required by the Nigerian Army to fortify these locations,” he pledged.
The governor also acknowledged the deployment of additional battalions across the two operational sectors, noting that the reinforcements had contributed to strengthening security and stabilising affected communities.
Despite recent attacks in parts of the state, he maintained that the overall security situation had improved considerably.
“Notwithstanding the recent attacks in some parts of Borno State, there has been tremendous improvement in our security situation. I commend the officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai and urge them to sustain this momentum,” Zulum said.
COAS: Zulum’s Support Critical to Military Success
In his remarks, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu commended the governor for his sustained support to the Nigerian Army, describing the assistance as a major factor in the successes recorded against insurgency in Borno State.
“I must put on record that the support of the Executive Governor of Borno State has been phenomenal in the successes we have recorded here in Borno State. For that, we say a very big thank you, sir,” the Army Chief said.
Shuaibu explained that his visit to troops of Operation Hadin Kai was part of a routine operational assessment aimed at evaluating ongoing activities, encouraging commanders and appreciating the resilience of personnel engaged in counterinsurgency operations across the North-East.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring normalcy and creating a secure environment for economic and social activities to resume in affected communities.
The COAS also assured that operational challenges raised by commanders during his visit would receive prompt attention.
The meeting was attended by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Federal Constituency, Hon. Bukar Talba; Secretary to the State Government; commissioners; special advisers; senior military officers; and heads of security agencies in Borno State.
