Boko Haram has informants among politicians, soldiers – Zulum
By Jeffrey Agbo
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has claimed that some Nigerian politicians and military personnel are serving as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram insurgents.
Speaking during an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central on Wednesday, Zulum stressed the need for stronger intelligence gathering and a firm response to internal sabotage.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly,” he said.
Zulum called for an end to what he termed “contractocracy” and urged depoliticisation of national security efforts, asserting that “in six months, we can put an end to this madness.”
On the matter of surrendered insurgents, the governor acknowledged imperfections in the reintegration process but insisted that the majority are no longer a threat.
“I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism,” Zulum said.
He emphasised that military action alone cannot resolve the insurgency, urging a balance between force and strategic non-military measures.
“Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place,” the governor said.
“What I mean by non-kinetic measures is social, political, and economic dimensions of the crisis. Our ongoing non-kinetic measures have yielded positive results with the support of the Nigerian military.”
He admitted that among the over 500,000 individuals who have surrendered, some may relapse, but maintained that the reintegration program is largely successful.
“I cannot rule out the possibility of fewer of them going back to the bush,” he added.
Zulum criticised the military’s lack of equipment, warning that insurgents currently enjoy a technological edge. “The army doesn’t have the necessary equipment on ground to fight the insurgency.” he said.
Nonetheless, he commended the military for its role in supporting peace-building initiatives.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise credible intelligence and professional military advice over politics.
“The forest guard shall be provided immediately. The President of Nigeria needs to listen to those who can differentiate their left from their right.
“We should not politicise insecurity. The president needs to listen to the people who can tell him the right thing. The President should listen to the army,” he stated.
