Prof Babagana Zulum, the Borno State governor, has alleged that some politicians and members of the armed forces act as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram terrorists.
The governor, who made the statement during an interview on News Central’s Breakfast programme. He also said the Nigerian Army lacks necessary equipment to fight terrorists, noting that devoid of politics, Boko Haram can be eradicated in six months.
The Borno governor said the state will strengthen its intelligence network. He vowed to deal with saboteurs “ruthlessly.”
Zulum said, “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, among politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is strengthen our intelligence and deal with them ruthlessly.
“Let’s remove contractocracy. In six months, we can put an end to this madness; we need not politicise insecurity.’’
Addressing the issue of surrendered insurgents, Zulum stated that while not all who surrendered had reformed fully, the overwhelming majority were contributing positively.
“I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism.”
He further argued for the need to embrace both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in tackling insurgency, noting that over 99% of repentant insurgents were no longer involved in terrorism.
He said, “Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place.
“What I mean by non-kinetic measures is social, political, and economic dimensions of the crisis. Our ongoing non-kinetic measures have yielded positive results with the support of the Nigerian military.”
Zulum acknowledged that not all 50,000-plus repentant Boko Haram members might stay reformed, but believed the system is largely working.
“Yes, I believe among the 500,000 or more that have repented, I cannot rule out the possibility of fewer of them going back to the bush,” he said.
Zulum have Kudos to the military’s role in supporting peace-building efforts.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces for the support they have been rendering to our non-kinetic measures,” Zulum said.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to pay attention to ground-level intelligence and professional advice from the military.
“We should not politicise insecurity. The President needs to listen to the people who can tell him the right thing. The President should listen to the Army.
“We must prioritise security. National and sub-national governments must pool resources together to procure equipment.
“The Army does not have the necessary equipment on ground to fight insurgency. Right now, the insurgents are using drones to fight soldiers on the ground.
“A few days ago, I visited the Chief of Army Staff. He said he is looking for about 32 drones and he would end the insurgency.
“My plea is that let us deal with this matter decisively. The president of Nigeria should listen to those that can distinguish between the right and wrong. Those that can tell him the right thing and not sycophants.
“He needs to understand what is happening on the ground. A few days ago, I said there is insurgency in Borno State. I commended the Federal Government for doing very well and that we should come together to resolve the issues.
“Some people said there is no insecurity in Borno State. We should not politicise insecurity,’’ he said.
