Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the intelligence of the Nigerian Army over the suggestions of politicians in the battle against insurgency in Nigeria’s northern region.
Speaking on News Central’s Breakfast Show on Wednesday, Governor Zulum emphasised the need for the President to align with voices grounded in the realities of insecurity. “The President should listen to those that can tell him the right thing,” he said.
Zulum revealed insights from a recent meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, noting that the military leadership had requested direct government-to-government procurement of equipment, bypassing intermediaries and political interference.
“I had a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff. He said that he doesn’t want a kobo to be given to him in terms of equipment,” Zulum stated. “Let the federal government deal directly with other nations, so that equipment will be brought from government to government.”
The governor warned against misinformation from political actors, saying: “Our problems are one, sycophancy. People don’t say the right thing. People are staying in their comfort zone, trying to give misinformation and miscommunications.”
He stressed the importance of enabling the military through practical support. “The Army knows what it takes to deal with the insurgents,” he said. “The President should also listen to them. I’ve seen villain commitment from them as well as from the Intelligence Committee.”
Beyond military strategy, Zulum outlined several critical reforms needed to end the insurgency. These include reducing bureaucracy in military procurement, fostering cooperation between federal and state governments, and investing in technological warfare capabilities.
“Both subnationals and national, the national government will come together, put resources and buy the technological equipment that will end this insurgency,” he said.
Importantly, Zulum highlighted the need for a holistic approach that includes social and economic solutions. “The kinetic measures alone will not end the insurgency,” he warned. “We must look into the post-social, political and economic dimension of this crisis. Poverty, we have to address it. Good roads, infrastructure, we need it.”
“All these things are needed in order to end the insurgency,” Zulum concluded.
