Governor warns Boko Haram threat returns in Nigeria
- Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has highlighted a concerning resurgence of Boko Haram following a series of assaults.
- In recent incidents, the group has targeted military outposts and kidnapped residents in the area more frequently.
- The governor urges increased military assistance, claiming Borno State is losing ground against the jihadists.
In Nigeria's Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum issued a stark warning about the resurgence of Boko Haram, highlighting recent attacks and territorial gains by the jihadist group. This comes during a challenging period for the state, which has been grappling with the consequences of a 15-year-long insurgency that has resulted in over two million displaced people and more than 40,000 deaths. In earlier years, particularly around 2015, Boko Haram had managed to control vast areas of Borno before facing military setbacks. Despite a relative lull in violence over the past few years, recent incidents indicate a worrying trend, with Boko Haram once again targeting military installations, police stations, and local communities. In January, attacks attributed to a breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of at least 20 soldiers and numerous civilians. Governor Zulum expressed his dismay, stating that Boko Haram's activities now include frequent kidnappings and assaults on communities each day. The governor's call for increased military support emphasizes the strain on resources, especially as troops are being redirected to address escalating banditry and kidnappings in north-western Nigeria. Defense analysts have noted that this shift has left the northeastern front, which is crucial in combating Boko Haram, under-resourced. Moreover, closer ties with neighboring countries like Niger have weakened as they have withdrawn their forces from a regional campaign against the jihadists, further complicating the security situation. Analysts, including Hamisu Sani, have pondered the difficulty of fully eradicating Boko Haram. They agree that while military efforts have diminished the group’s frontline presence, the possibility of regrouping remains. Thus, addressing the insurgency will require a comprehensive approach, focusing not only on military engagement but also on stabilizing affected communities to prevent further radicalization and violence.