By Yakubu Ahmed BK
In recent weeks, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has sounded the alarm on the alarming resurgence of Boko Haram insurgents, citing credible intelligence and local feedback indicating their regrouping and increased threat level. His warnings were met with skepticism by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, who dismissively urged Nigerians not to take Zulum seriously, despite a lack of evidence to counter the governor’s claims. Many Nigerians criticized the minister’s reckless remarks, viewing them as dismissive and potentially dangerous, especially in light of the mounting evidence that Boko Haram was indeed rearming and strengthening its foothold in the region.
Sadly, Zulum’s fears have been confirmed by recent violent attacks, which have seen insurgents targeting both civilian communities and heavily fortified military bases. In a well-coordinated series of assaults, Boko Haram succeeded in destroying military positions, killing soldiers, and seizing weapons and logistics, thus denying the Nigerian military vital weaponry and substantially degrading their capacity to respond effectively. The devastating images from the attack on a military base at New Marte and elsewhere in Borno and Yobe where armored vehicles were burned and arms stolen, serve as a stark reminder of how close Nigeria is to a renewed wave of insurgency. This renewed threat underscores the urgent need for the federal government to reconsider its strategy, reinforce security measures, and acknowledge the reality of Boko Haram’s resilience, rather than dismissing credible warnings that could be pivotal in averting further bloodshed.
Furthermore, the implications of dismissing Zulum’s warnings extend beyond regional security, affecting national stability and the perception of government efficacy. When credible voices like the governor are disregarded, it not only emboldens insurgents but also erodes public trust in leadership and intelligence agencies’ ability to safeguard citizens. The failure to act proactively in response to early signals of danger could ultimately exacerbate insecurity, leading to more devastating and widespread violence across Nigeria’s northeastern region.
It is also important to recognize that Nigeria’s security challenges are intertwined with socio-economic issues, including poverty, unemployment, and local grievances, which insurgents continue to exploit for recruitment. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial in ensuring long-term peace and stability. Without a holistic approach that combines military action with socio-economic development, the cycle of violence is likely to persist regardless of tactical victories in the battlefield.
In light of these developments, it is imperative for the federal government to reassess its security posture promptly. Past gains against Boko Haram should not lead to complacency; instead, there must be renewed commitment to intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, and robust defense strategies. Nigeria cannot afford to lose the momentum gained thus far—every failure to respond effectively risks turning back the clock on over a decade of hard-fought progress. As the nation mourns the lives lost and grapples with the resurgence of violence, the need for swift, coordinated, and truthful action has never been more urgent.
