Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed deep concern over the growing threat posed by informants and collaborators aiding insurgents from within key sectors of Nigerian society. Speaking during an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central, Zulum stated that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East is being undermined by insiders within the armed forces, political circles, and local communities. According to him, addressing this internal sabotage is critical to achieving lasting peace in the region. “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,” he said.
Governor Zulum emphasized that military action alone cannot solve the insurgency. Instead, he highlighted the importance of combining both kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (socioeconomic and political) strategies to address the root causes of terrorism. He noted that programs addressing poverty, political grievances, and economic instability are vital and have already begun to yield results with the support of the Nigerian military. While acknowledging that some doubts remain, Zulum stated that over 99% of the insurgents who surrendered are now living peacefully and are no longer participating in violent activities.
The governor also criticized the inadequate military equipment available to Nigerian soldiers, revealing that insurgents now use advanced technology on the battlefield. He disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff is seeking to acquire 32 drones—each costing approximately $5.5 million—to bolster the military’s capacity. Zulum suggested that the federal government should directly engage in military procurement, rather than relying on private contractors, to ensure quality and accountability.
Regarding the debate over state policing, Zulum expressed skepticism about its effectiveness. He instead advocated for the deployment of forest guards to secure remote areas and stressed the need for the federal government to listen to experienced military professionals rather than politicizing national security.