By Kazeem Waris
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged the Nigerian military to fast-track a coordinated offensive, Operation Lake Sanity, to dislodge insurgents occupying the shores and islands of Lake Chad, warning that lasting peace in northern Borno remains elusive while the area serves as a hideout for armed groups.
Zulum made the call on Saturday when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, on a courtesy visit to the new Council Chamber at Government House, Maiduguri.
The governor called for stronger military deployments in strategic locations, including Kareto, Baga and the Sabon Gari–Wajiroko axis, to protect vulnerable communities, secure waterways and facilitate the reopening of the Damboa–Biu road.
He linked recent attacks on communities in northern Borno to the presence of insurgents around Lake Chad, insisting that a decisive military operation was necessary to prevent further threats to residents.
“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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for the proposed offensive and the coordination among the service chiefs but urged military authorities to accelerate preparations for the operation.
“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 said.
Zulum Seeks More Troops, Secure Waterways
Beyond the proposed Lake Chad offensive, Zulum called for the strengthening of the amphibious command in Baga to clear waterways and consolidate military positions needed to sustain security gains.
He also appealed for the speedy establishment of a military formation in Kareto along the Gubio–Damasak corridor, as well as deployments around Sabon Gari and Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government Area.
According to him, the additional military presence would help protect communities and support the restoration of vehicular movement along the Damboa–Biu road.
The governor commended the Army Chief for training about 1,000 forest guards, who he said had completed their training and been deployed across the state to support security operations.
He also welcomed the deployment of additional battalions across the two operational sectors, noting that the reinforcements were helping to strengthen security and stabilise affected communities.
“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.
Military Gains Must Lead to Resettlement
The governor stressed that military operations must be followed by reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement to ensure that communities cleared of insurgents can return to normal life.
He commended the Nigerian Army’s support for the re-establishment of Mairari community and preparations 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.
Zulum’s remarks underscored the state government’s position that sustained security gains require both military pressure on insurgents and efforts to restore civilian life in affected areas.
Zulum’s Support ‘Phenomenal
In his response, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, praised Zulum for his sustained support to the Nigerian Army, describing the governor’s contribution as instrumental to the progress 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,” Shuaibu said.
The Army Chief explained that his visit to troops of Operation Hadin Kai was part of a routine assessment of military operations, aimed at encouraging commanders and recognising the resilience of personnel confronting insurgency in the North-East.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring normalcy and creating an enabling environment for socioeconomic activities to resume, assuring that operational challenges raised by commanders would receive prompt attention.
The visit was attended by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; the member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Federal Constituency, Hon. Bukar Talba; the Secretary to the State Government; commissioners; special advisers; senior military officers; and heads of security agencies in the state.
