Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, says the state has crossed its toughest phase in the fight against insurgency.
The governor made the remark on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Shuaibu Waidi, in Maiduguri.
Zulum stated that the security situation has taken a positive turn, noting that the state is no longer under the level of pressure experienced in previous years.
He said recent incidents, though worrying, do not compare to the dark days of the conflict.
“We have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and the security forces, but the worst is over,” he said.
He added that past attacks were heavier and more frequent, but the state is now moving in a better direction.
“The frequency and scale of attacks then were overwhelming. Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us,” he said.
The governor asked residents to remain alert and continue sharing useful information with security agencies. He stressed that the fight against terrorism cannot be left to the military alone.
He also commended the sacrifices of officers and soldiers serving in the North-East, describing them as men and women who take risks daily to protect the region.
The Chief of Army Staff, responding to the governor’s concerns, promised continued support.
Waidi said the Army headquarters would keep providing the logistics and equipment needed to maintain the momentum in the theatre.
Zulum’s meeting with the COAS came shortly after he held talks with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, where he called for a full-scale offensive in critical zones such as the Tumbus Islands, the Mandara Hills and the Sambisa axis.
The governor expressed worry over attacks traced to hideouts around the Lake Chad basin. He described the Tumbus and the Mandara Hills as long-standing safe havens for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
“A thorough military operation that involves the Navy, Air Force and Army, purposely intended to rid off the Mandara Hills and Tumbus, has never been conducted,” Zulum said.
He insisted that tackling the Lake Chad region is essential if Nigeria must finally weaken the insurgents.
“The area has provided a safe haven for the terrorists. This is our major problem now,” he added.
Zulum further listed the Sambisa forest and the Mandara Hills as the remaining pockets where terrorists still operate.
He urged the Nigerian Air Force to deploy more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for stronger surveillance across the frontline.