Gov. Zulum intensifies border security push amid clash of strategies with terrorists

By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has undertaken a series of strategic shuttles to volatile border towns and neighboring Niger Republic, promising new military formations and rebuilding efforts to counter a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks.
The governor’s recent tours of areas like Kirawa, Banki, and Diffa in Niger highlight a critical new phase in the 15-year conflict. While Nigerian and multinational forces have squeezed terrorists out of the state’s interior, insurgents are now digging in along the borders, using these enclaves to launch sporadic attacks on resettled communities.
“This is a fierce clash of strategies. And the terrorists are trying to maintain a frightening presence and disrupt the government’s recovery model, while Governor Zulum is determined to deny them that foothold.”
During a visit to Kirawa, a town on the Cameroon border recently attacked by insurgents who burned 50 houses and eight vehicles, Governor Zulum announced concrete security measures.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure that Kirawa does not fall to the Boko Haram insurgency,” Zulum declared.
“We have agreed that within the shortest possible period, the military will deploy troops to Kirawa.”
He also pledged to rebuild destroyed homes, construct a general hospital, and provide enhanced support to local vigilante groups.
The administration’s strategy is two-fold: strengthen military and community resilience while continuing the massive repatriation of displaced citizens. So far, over 30,000 families have been returned from Diffa in Niger and resettled in their ancestral homes like Malam Fatori.
Governor Zulum’s high-level delegation to Diffa focused on strengthening joint patrols and intelligence sharing with Nigerien forces, represented by Brigadier General Mahamaduo Ibrahim Bagadoma.
This “resilience-building” initiative, part of the UN-praised Borno Model, has already seen the successful resettlement of towns like Kukawa, Doron Baga, and Banki, where economic activities are gradually recovering.
Undeterred by the persistent threats, Governor Zulum continues to tour frontline areas, inspecting new resettlement housing and urging citizens to stand firm.
“We should not allow a few bad elements to displace this town whose businesses and economic activities have been thriving,” he told residents of Banki.