By: OBSERVERS TIMES.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has issued a stark warning about the resurgence of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, claiming they are receiving international support and regrouping in strategic locations.
Speaking during a visit from the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, and senior military commanders, Zulum expressed deep concern over the terrorists’ activities in the Tumbus areas of Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills within the Sambisa Forest.
He criticized the current military strategy, stating, “What we are facing now is, we do military exercises/operations, and after some time, we disengage. The Boko Haram and ISWAP members will again come and take over those areas that were hitherto regained.”
Zulum highlighted the Lake Chad region as a critical breeding ground for the insurgents, noting, “There was never a time since the insurgency started that operations were conducted on the shores of the Tumbus in the Lake Chad. And, it has been a breeding ground for the insurgents. They can get money, livelihoods, and everything in that water.”
He further alleged that the terrorist groups are receiving external support, emphasizing the challenges posed by Nigeria’s porous borders. “ISWAP and Boko Haram are terrorists getting support internationally, and looking at our porous borders remain infiltrated through the Sahel, which is our major problem,” he stated.
Zulum’s alarm comes amid growing concerns about the terrorists’ online presence and increased attacks. Security analyst Bulama Bukarti recently cautioned about Boko Haram’s rising popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, while Senator Ali Ndume reported the deaths of approximately 100 soldiers and 280 civilians in Boko Haram attacks over the past six months.
