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By Myke Agunwa
Following a renewed attack on a military base in Borno State and on helpless communities by Boko haram, Governor Babagana Zulum has disclosed that some Nigerian politicians and members of the armed forces are leaking information to insurgents.
Recall that Boko Haram insurgents recently launched a deadly assault on a Nigerian Army base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack occurred at the Forward Operating Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion. Reports indicated that at least five soldiers were killed, with several others captured. The militants overran the base, seizing weapons and vehicles and burning down armoured tanks and other military equipment.
The incident was part of a broader surge in militant activities in Borno State, where Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents attacked four military bases within a 24-hour period, including Dikwa, Rann, and Gajiram. These coordinated assaults have heightened concerns about the security situation in the region.
As part of morale boosting strategy, the Governor spent a night in the area to douse the tension, allay fears and empathize with residents and soldiers on the front line.
In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, Zulum praised the federal government’s initiative of establish forest guards that will smoke out the terrorists from ungoverned locations, describing it as a potential game-changer.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly,” Zulum said.
He, however, noted that these guards should be recruited from local communities within the states.
“This is very important, establishing forest guards will be a game changer. But I want to give an early warning that these forest guards should be recruited from the communities within the states,” he said.
On the apprehension that some of the repentant and rehabilitated insurgents may be behind the renewed attack, the governor responded,
“I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism,” he said.
The governor stressed the importance of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in tackling insurgency.
“Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place,” Zulum said.