Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has sent Civilian JTF fighters and Nigerian troops to Kirawa, a border town in Gwoza Local Government Area, after Cameroonian soldiers previously stationed there pulled out.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the withdrawal of the Cameroonian troops created a security gap that allowed Boko Haram insurgents to invade the town on Wednesday.
During the attack, the terrorists killed two residents, burnt more than 50 houses, destroyed heavy-duty equipment, and set eight vehicles ablaze.
Zulum visited Kirawa on Friday for an assessment in the area, where he expressed regret over the repeated insurgent attacks on the border communities.
“I duly notified the Nigerian military of the dangers of leaving this town without security. This is a border community. Wilgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, among others, must be protected because of their strategic importance. Unfortunately, my request did not receive the needed attention, and the insurgents came and vandalised everything we worked so hard to rebuild,” Zulum explained.
The governor disclosed that he had already met with the Theatre Commander of the Nigerian Army and the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force to agree on new security measures for Kirawa.
“All of us have agreed that within the shortest possible time, the Nigerian Army will deploy soldiers to Kirawa town,” he said.
As part of immediate steps, Zulum also promised to equip Civilian JTF and vigilante groups to defend the community. “I listened to them and we will provide the needed equipment to safeguard the town. Most importantly, we are also looking at modern technological tools that can address insecurity challenges in the general area,” he added.
The governor urged residents not to panic, stressing that the insurgents should not be allowed to overrun communities without resistance. “I see no reason why very few members of Boko Haram will come to defeat the entire community without resistance,” he said.
He further appealed to the Nigerian military to show greater commitment, noting that the key issue was not just numbers but dedication during operations. “Above all, we need sustained military operations. For some time now, such operations were not conducted in Borno State, and that has contributed to these renewed attacks,” Zulum said.
He called on the Federal Government and the Chief of Defence Staff to release funds and procure equipment for continuous military action now that the rainy season is almost over.
“But you have to take note of this very important thing: we need to sustain military operations. We should not start operations for a few months and then slow down or withdraw. That is what has been affecting us,” the governor warned.
Zulum also stressed that military victories must be followed by stabilization, recovery, reconstruction, and resettlement, in line with UN resolutions. “Otherwise, all the gains may be futile,” he cautioned.
The governor warned that if Kirawa remains displaced, neighbouring communities like Pulka and Ngoshe could also fall, eventually threatening Gwoza town itself and cutting off access roads.
“Yes, I am aware that the Nigerian Army has limited numbers, but there are certain strategic towns and villages that must be secured at all costs,” he said.
Zulum thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his quick response and the new measures taken after the latest attack, while urging sustained commitment to safeguard the peace and security of Borno communities.