Borno Gov Zulum accused politicians, soldiers of collusion with Boko Haram

The Governor of the State Borno Babagana Zulum has made a surprising accusation that politicians and members of the Nigerian armed forces acted as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram rebels.

Speaking during an interview at the Central’s Breakfast Central on Wednesday, Governor Zulum vowed to strengthen the state intelligence network and handle it firmly with efforts to sabotage to restore peace.

“We have informants and collaborators in the Nigerian armed forces, in politicians, and in society. What we will do is strengthen our intelligence and to face it cruelly,” said the Governor. He further appealed to all stakeholders to eliminate “Contractocracy” and politicization of insecurity, emphasizing that, “In six months, we can end this madness.”

In the rebel issue that surrendered, Zulum offered a nuanced view, acknowledged that while not all fighters who were converted had been fully reformed, the majority had changed new leaves. “I cannot fully say that 100% of people who have surrendered to do the right things, but I want to convince you that more than 99% are good and not participating in the ongoing terrorism,” he said.

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Referring to the need for a balanced approach to ending the rebellion, the governor emphasized that military power alone would never be enough. He suggested to a combination of kinetic and non-cinetic strategies-including social, political, and economic steps-to overcome the holistic crisis.

“Rebellion will never end with only kinetic steps. We must ensure that non-cinetic steps are also applied correctly,” said Zulum. He praised the ongoing non-cinetic effort, supported by the Nigerian military, because it produced positive results in the war against the rebellion.

While optimistic about the impact of the rehabilitation program, the governor acknowledged the challenges in front. “Yes, I believe that among 500,000 or more that has been converted, I cannot rule out the possibility of fewer than they will return to the bushes,” he admitted.

Zulum also criticized the inadequate equipment available for the Nigerian military, showing that rebels currently have technological advantages. “The army does not have the equipment needed on land to fight the rebellion,” he said, calling for better resources to strengthen the country’s security efforts.

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