Zulum to Tinubu: Trust military, not sycophants, to end insecurity

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize advice from the military and other credible sources over the views of sycophants in the ongoing fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview with News Central TV, Zulum criticized the bureaucratic hurdles surrounding military equipment procurement, stressing the need for streamlined processes.

He blamed “contractocracy”—a system where defense contracts serve private interests rather than national security—as a major factor fueling terrorism.

According to the governor, if these issues are addressed, Nigeria could bring an end to the scourge of terrorism within six months. “Let us deal with this matter decisively,” Zulum said.

“The president should listen to people who can tell him the truth, not sycophants. He has the capacity to do what is right, but he must understand what is happening on the ground.”

He revealed that over 80,000 people had been displaced from Marte Local Government Area alone due to recent Boko Haram attacks.

The state government, he added, is reinforcing the military’s efforts with over 1,000 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilante groups.

Zulum urged the federal and state governments to pool resources for military operations, insisting that the Nigerian Army lacks adequate equipment.

He warned that insurgents now possess advanced technology, including drones, which puts security forces at a disadvantage.

The governor also alleged that some military personnel, politicians, and community members are colluding with insurgents, acting as informants and undermining security efforts.

He vowed that such saboteurs would be dealt with decisively through strengthened intelligence.

Zulum: Boko Haram has taken over Borno LG

“We must eliminate contractocracy. If we do, this madness can end in six months,” he declared. “We must not politicize insecurity.”

While acknowledging the importance of military force, Zulum emphasized that non-kinetic strategies—such as addressing socio-economic and political issues—are essential to ending insurgency.

He admitted that among the over 300,000 repentant insurgents, some may relapse, but stressed the importance of non-violent approaches to sustainable peace.

Zulum reiterated his opposition to state police but supported the federal government’s proposal to deploy forest guards, recommending that they be recruited from communities most affected by insurgency.

Praising the Nigerian Army for its commitment, Zulum maintained that the military knows what it takes to end insurgency and urged President Tinubu to fully support and equip them.

With coordinated efforts and the right strategy, he said, Nigeria can overcome its security challenges.