Boko Haram Has Informants Among Politicians, Security Forces — Zulum

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has alleged that certain Nigerian politicians and members of the armed forces are acting as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram insurgents.

Zulum made the revelation during an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central on Wednesday, vowing to bolster intelligence efforts and take a hard stance against internal saboteurs.

“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.

He further emphasized the urgency of removing political interference in security efforts, stating, “Let’s remove contractocracy. In six months, we can put an end to this madness. We need not politicise insecurity.”

Addressing the issue of surrendered Boko Haram insurgents, the governor acknowledged mixed outcomes but insisted that the vast majority have reformed.

“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 stressed the need for a balanced counterinsurgency approach that incorporates both military and non-military strategies.

“Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place.

What I mean by non-kinetic measures is the social, political, and economic dimensions of the crisis. Our ongoing non-kinetic measures have yielded positive results with the support of the Nigerian military.”

Zulum also addressed the risk of relapse among repentant fighters.

“Yes, I believe among the 500,000 or more that have repented, I cannot rule out the possibility of fewer of them going back to the bush.”
he said.

The governor criticized the current capacity of the military, arguing that insurgents possess more advanced weaponry.

“The army doesn’t have the necessary equipment on the ground to fight the insurgency.”

Despite the challenges, he acknowledged the military’s efforts in facilitating peace and supporting non-combat initiatives.

“I want to commend the Nigerian armed forces for the support that they have been rendering to our non-kinetic measures.”

Zulum also called on President Bola Tinubu to focus on intelligence and professional military input over political considerations.

“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.