From Usman Abubakar, in Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has attributed the persistence of terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria to the inability of the Nigerian military to clear the Lake Chad shores of terrorists.
Speaking in Maiduguri, Monday, the governor recalled that over the last 16 years there has never been any coordinated military offensive involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force to target insurgent strongholds in the Lake Chad area.
Receiving the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke at the Government House, Maiduguri, Zulum underscored the urgent need for such coordinated offensive to clear the Lake of all terrorists and insurgents.
He identified the islands, known as the Tumbus, as a critical safe haven for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, stressing that a comprehensive operation there is essential for lasting security.
“I want to bring to your kind notice that a thorough military operation, that involve the Naval, Air Force and Army, purposely intended to rid off the Tumbus have never been conducted,” Zulum stated.
He emphasized the strategic importance of the region, adding, “If we want to bring down insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria, we must address the challenges we facing in the Lake Chad. The area has provided a safe haven for the terrorist, this is our major problem now”.
The Governor also highlighted other insurgent enclaves, noting, “We still have two enclaves, the Sambisa Games Reserve as well as the Mandara hills. We need a coordinated operation with a view to addressing this menace in these areas”.
Governor Zulum recommended deployment of more technology, specifically requesting that the Nigerian Air Force “deploy more Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) into the theater,” noting that technology is the solution to the conflict.
He further proposed that the Command and Control structures of the military have a strategic thinking meeting in Maiduguri, with a view to interfacing with each other on how possible best to address the situation.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the military, Governor Zulum urged for additional funding to equip the armed forces with modern hardware to effectively prosecute the counter-insurgency operations.
He acknowledged the Nigerian Air Force continued support and expressed confidence that with commitment and dedication, insurgency would be defeated.
Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke appreciated the forward-looking leadership of the Governor especially in initiating community-based reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at restoring livelihoods and essential services in affected areas.
“The “Borno Model” of community engagement and reconciliation, which has prioritised healing, reintegration, and local ownership, exemplifies how non-kinetic strategies can complement military efforts to achieve sustainable results. Your approach has not only earned respect across the North-East but has also become a model for others to follow,” Aneke said.
“I also wish to acknowledge Your Excellency’s personal interventions that have directly improved the security posture of the Nigerian Air Force in Maiduguri — from decisive land allocations that mitigated potential vulnerabilities to the steady logistical support the State Government has provided to our operations.
“Since assuming my duties, I have directed an increased focus on operational readiness, integration with ground forces, and the intelligent application of airpower to support stabilisation efforts across the North-East,” the Air Chief said. END
