Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has alleged that certain politicians and members of the Nigerian military are serving as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram insurgents, undermining efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
In a recent interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central, Governor Zulum expressed frustration over the continued sabotage of counter-insurgency operations, stating that some individuals in positions of power are actively aiding the terrorist group.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian Armed Forces, within the political class, and within local communities,” Zulum said. “What we intend to do is to strengthen our intelligence architecture and deal ruthlessly with those sabotaging our security efforts.”
The governor, known for his consistent presence in frontline communities affected by insurgency, vowed to intensify efforts against both Boko Haram fighters and their enablers. He stressed the need to eliminate what he described as “contractocracy” and political interference, which he said hampers meaningful progress in the war against terrorism.
“In six months, if we are serious, we can bring an end to this madness,” Zulum asserted. “But it must start with a depoliticized approach to insecurity.”
While acknowledging the importance of military operations, Governor Zulum emphasized that a strictly kinetic approach, relying solely on military force will not be sufficient to end the insurgency. He advocated for a comprehensive strategy that includes socio-economic and political interventions to address the root causes of extremism.
“Insurgency will never end through military force alone. We must implement non-kinetic measures such as job creation, education, and social inclusion to tackle the broader dimensions of this crisis,” he noted.
The governor also expressed cautious optimism about the deradicalization program for former fighters, noting that while many have genuinely repented, there remains a risk of relapse among some of the over 300,000 individuals who have surrendered to authorities.
“Let me be frank: among the thousands who have laid down arms, there’s always the possibility that a few may return to the bush,” Zulum warned. “This is why intelligence and community vigilance remain critical.”
Governor Zulum’s comments come at a time when Borno State is grappling with new waves of attacks and growing concerns over internal sabotage in the fight against insurgency. His remarks are expected to intensify national debate on the accountability and transparency of counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria.
