Saboteurs Abound In Military Over Boko Haram – Zulum

By MOHAMMED DANBABA

Governor Zulum Accuses Insiders of Saboteurs in North-East Nigeria

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has disclosed that saboteurs aiding insurgents in the Nigerian military, political system, and local communities are seriously undermining the nation’s counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East.

During a live interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central on Wednesday, Zulum expressed grave concern about the presence of collaborators within key national institutions. “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 deal with them ruthlessly,” the governor declared.

Internal Saboteurs Threaten National Security

This disturbing admission adds complexity to the already challenging counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria. The identification of internal saboteurs in the military and political circles suggests that the country’s enemies are not just external insurgents but also include compromised elements within.

Speaking on saboteurs aiding insurgents in the Nigerian military, Zulum emphasized that rooting out these insiders is now as crucial as field operations. The governor’s statement highlights the urgent need for internal intelligence audits, loyalty vetting, and operational reforms within the military and political structures.

• Soldier Aiding Boko Haram With Weaponry Arrested
• https://www.thecheernews.com/atiku-on-boko-haram-obasanjo-ended-insurgency-swiftly-with-political-will/

Military Force Alone Won’t End Insurgency, Says Zulum

Reiterating a long-held belief, the Borno Governor stressed that a military-only approach cannot end terrorism in the region. According to him, counter-insurgency requires a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.

“Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place,” Zulum noted. These non-kinetic solutions, he said, encompass the social, economic, and political dimensions of the crisis.

With the support of the Nigerian military, several social reintegration programs are already in motion. Zulum maintained that the majority of surrendered insurgents have renounced violence and are now contributing positively to their communities.

Surrendered Insurgents Show Signs of Reform

Zulum admitted that while a few former insurgents may remain suspect, over 99% have reintegrated successfully and are no longer involved in terrorist activities.

“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,” the governor affirmed.

Nigerian Army Under-Equipped, Insurgents Using Advanced Technology

In a critical assessment of the Nigerian Army’s capabilities, Zulum lamented the saboteurs aiding insurgents in the Nigerian military. He warned that insurgents have now begun to use advanced technologies, including drones, to overpower government forces.

“The army doesn’t have the necessary equipment on ground to fight the insurgents. Right now, the insurgents are using technology to fight the soldiers on ground,” he disclosed.

The governor revealed that the Chief of Army Staff recently told him the army needs at least 32 drones, each costing around $5.5 million, to make meaningful progress in the war.

Zulum asked, “Why can’t we pull resources together to buy these drones and prioritize insecurity?”

Call for Transparent Military Procurement and Direct Deals

The governor also emphasized the need for transparency and efficiency in military procurement. He proposed direct government-to-government transactions as a way to get value for money and avoid dubious contractors.

“We should deal directly, government to government, so that we can get value for money. Most of the contractors won’t buy the equipment if you give them money,” Zulum argued.

Zulum Doubts State Police, Pushes for Forest Guards

While acknowledging the national debate around state policing, Zulum expressed doubt over its effectiveness in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges. Instead, he advocated for the immediate deployment of forest guards.

“I don’t think the state police can do better than the forest guard,” he said. “The forest guard shall be provided immediately.”

He stressed the need for President Bola Tinubu to listen to military professionals and resist the temptation to politicize the country’s security issues.

Security Solutions Should Not Be Politicized

Concluding his remarks, Zulum urged political leaders to avoid politicizing the security crisis and instead base their decisions on expert advice.

“We should not politicise insecurity. The president needs to listen to the people that can tell him the right thing. The president should listen to the army,” he cautioned.

Conclusion

Governor Zulum’s frank assessment of the insurgency problem in Nigeria, especially the revelation of saboteurs aiding insurgents in the Nigerian military and political class, has sparked new urgency in the national security discourse. His call for non-kinetic interventions, better military equipment, and transparent procurement methods provides a comprehensive framework for lasting peace in the troubled North-East.

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