By Editor
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, has described individuals and groups providing shelter, sympathising with, or serving as informants to terrorists as enemies of the state, saying their time is up and that they will be hunted down to face the full wrath of the law.
The governor, who made the declaration on Thursday during a statewide broadcast in Maiduguri, said their actions betrayed the collective peace of the state and would no longer be tolerated.
“These elements who seek to disturb our peace will obtain no sanctuary in Borno State. We will deal decisively with their recent resurgence.
“Furthermore, let me issue a stern warning to any individual or group that aids or collaborates with these criminals.
“To those who provide information, shelter them and their sympathisers, and offer logistical support, your time is up.
“You are not patriots; you are enemies of the state. You will be hunted down and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Your actions betray our collective peace, and we will no longer tolerate them,” Zulum declared.
He condemned the recent resurgence of insecurity in parts of the state, describing it as “deeply concerning.”
He said, “Over the past seven years, we have worked tirelessly to restore peace and prosperity to the great land and rebuild our state.
“Within the period, we have responded with prompt, positive actions on every occasion.
“We have not allowed the dark dreams of the wayward ones to take root, and instead, we have fostered hope and resilience among the communities affected by the conflict.”
He stated that through a combination of consultations and collective planning, with the strong support of the security agencies and the Civilian Joint Task Force, the state had achieved some measure of success and peace.
“As the Chief Security Officer, let me assure you that the overall security environment, while tested, remains under control, and we are doing everything possible to protect lives and property.
“We do not believe that the decrease in past attacks signals the end of the insurgency. No, it is not.
“In fact, at the leadership level, we are very conscious of the fact that much more needs to be done to permanently address the root of this madness and the menace of illogical attacks among our peace-loving people,” Zulum added.
Speaking on the recent attacks, the governor emphasised that they were a direct consequence of the sustained and aggressive military operations being conducted across the theatre.
He stated, “The recent spike in activity by these criminal elements is a direct consequence of the sustained and aggressive military operations being conducted across the theatre.
“These operations have dislodged the criminals, forcing them to flee and seek respite by infiltrating our communities.”
He assured the people that the worst days were over, adding that a coordinated response had been planned.
“However, I want to reassure you that the worst days are over. We have been constantly assessing the situation, and a robust, coordinated response is already in motion,” he said.
The governor called for continuous support from residents, assuring that his administration would not relent in ensuring the safety of citizens.
“Fellow citizens, this fight is not the responsibility of the military alone; it is a collective effort.
“I must emphasise the importance of cordial, close collaboration with our military. They are here to protect us, and they need our eyes and our ears.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of our gallant soldiers, security personnel, and volunteer forces who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
“My heart also goes out to every civilian whose life has been disrupted by this situation. Your resilience is the bedrock of our state, and the power of prayer in unison is a weapon no enemy can withstand,” he stated.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the financial support needed to combat the insurgents.
“Let me at this juncture commend the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for releasing the necessary funding to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and several other military operations across different theatres in Nigeria.
“This support is vital to the sustainability of the ongoing military operations.
“I also wish to extend my appreciation to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented the President during the sympathy visit over the recent unfortunate incident.
“I also want to extend our profound gratitude to the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, other law enforcement agencies, our dedicated CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes.
“Your professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices are the only reasons we have a state to return to. The nation owes you a tremendous debt that can never be fully repaid,” he stated.
He further commended residents and religious leaders for their spiritual support throughout the difficult times while urging political leaders to unite for the restoration of peace.
“To our revered traditional rulers, I appreciate your steadfastness and your role as the custodians of our culture and conscience.
“I am equally grateful to our religious leaders and the entire people of Borno for their relentless prayers.
“I want to urge my colleagues in the political class to unite and support our efforts to restore peace. Our people look up to us for leadership, not division,” he added.
The governor urged that, as the political season intensified ahead of 2027, all aspirants and their supporters must prioritise the greater interests of the state above personal ambitions.
“My dear people, as the political season intensifies, tensions may rise, but we must align our political interests with the stark realities of our security situation, including ongoing threats from insurgent groups and the need for community stability.
“Let us not allow politics to undermine the hard-earned peace we have built. I, therefore, call on all aspirants and their supporters to prioritise the greater interests of Borno State above their personal ambitions.
“I want to call on all political actors to be wary of elements seeking to exploit the current situation to create unnecessary political instability.
“As we look to the future and choose a new leader for our state, I urge all citizens to pray fervently for a worthy successor. Let me remind us that power belongs to Allah, and He grants it to whom He wills,” he said.
The PUNCH reported a triple attack on Monday evening, which claimed the lives of 23 people and injured 108 others.
The coordinated attacks were executed by suspected suicide bombers at the Monday Market axis, the Post Office, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
