By Charles Maduka
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has accused some Nigerian politicians and members of the armed forces of acting as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram insurgents.
Speaking in an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central, Zulum said the state would strengthen its intelligence efforts and deal firmly with anyone working against security.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, politicians, and communities. We will strengthen our intelligence and deal with them ruthlessly,” he said.
Zulum also called for an end to “contractocracy” and warned that insecurity should not be politicized. He expressed confidence that Boko Haram’s activities could be ended within six months if the right steps are taken.
On the topic of surrendered insurgents, the governor noted that while not all have fully reformed, over 99 percent are positively contributing and no longer involved in terrorism.
“Insurgency will never end by military force alone,” Zulum stressed. “We must also focus on social, political, and economic strategies. Our non-kinetic measures have shown good results with military support.”
He admitted that among the more than 500,000 repentant fighters, some might return to violence, but overall the system is working.
Zulum criticized the military’s lack of adequate equipment, claiming insurgents have a technological edge. Still, he praised the Nigerian armed forces for supporting peace efforts.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to listen closely to ground-level intelligence and professional military advice, saying, “The President should listen to the army and avoid politicizing insecurity.”
The governor also promised that forest guards would be provided immediately to support security efforts.
This comes as the fight against Boko Haram and other insurgents continues in northeastern Nigeria.
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