By Peter Omopo
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has raised alarm over the presence of Boko Haram informants within the Nigerian political class, military ranks, and local communities, accusing them of aiding the insurgency.
Speaking during an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central on Wednesday, Governor Zulum vowed to strengthen the state’s intelligence apparatus and deal decisively with saboteurs.
“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities,” Zulum said. “What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and deal with them ruthlessly.”
He also criticized the politicisation of national security and called for the elimination of what he termed “contractocracy,” suggesting that with the right political will, the insurgency could be ended within six months.
Addressing the ongoing reintegration of surrendered Boko Haram fighters, the governor acknowledged that while a small fraction might still pose a risk, the vast majority have embraced peace and are contributing positively to society.
“I cannot completely say that 100% of those 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,” he said.
Zulum reiterated the importance of combining military efforts with non-kinetic approaches, stressing that military force alone is insufficient to eradicate terrorism.
“Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place,” he added.
