Zulum Alleges Politicians, Soldiers Are Boko Haram Informants

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has made a bold allegation, claiming that some Nigerian politicians and military personnel are secretly working with Boko Haram insurgents.

Speaking during an interview on Breakfast Central on News Central TV, Zulum said the state will take decisive action against collaborators and informants within the government and armed forces.

Zulum: Insurgents Supported by Internal Saboteurs

“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian Armed Forces, within the political class, and within our communities,” Zulum said. “We will strengthen our intelligence gathering and deal with them ruthlessly.”

The governor strongly condemned what he described as “contractocracy”—the excessive reliance on contractors—and emphasized the urgent need to depoliticize security operations in Nigeria.

“Let’s remove contractocracy. Within six months, we can end this madness. We must not politicize insecurity,” Zulum asserted.

Surrendered Boko Haram Fighters: 99% Have Repented, Says Zulum

Addressing the sensitive issue of Boko Haram members who have surrendered, Governor Zulum acknowledged skepticism but maintained that over 99% of repentant insurgents have reintegrated successfully and are no longer involved in terrorism.

“I cannot say 100% of them are clean, but I assure you, over 99% are no longer participating in terrorism,” he said.

Non-Kinetic Measures Key to Ending Insurgency in Nigeria

Zulum emphasized the importance of combining military operations with non-kinetic strategies, including social, political, and economic solutions to address the root causes of terrorism in the Northeast.

“Insurgency cannot be solved by kinetic measures alone,” he explained. “Our non-kinetic strategies, with support from the Nigerian military, are already yielding results.”

Over 500,000 Boko Haram Members Have Surrendered

The governor disclosed that more than 500,000 insurgents have laid down their arms. While admitting that some may relapse, he maintained that the vast majority are committed to peace.

“I can’t rule out a few returning to the bush, but the numbers are minimal,” Zulum noted.

Boko Haram’s Tech Superiority and Military Shortfalls

Zulum also raised concerns over Boko Haram’s apparent technological advantage and pointed out that the Nigerian military lacks adequate equipment to confront the insurgency effectively.

“The army doesn’t have the required equipment to win this war,” he warned.

Zulum Urges President Tinubu to Rely on Ground-Level Intelligence

Commending the military’s support for non-military interventions, Governor Zulum urged President Bola Tinubu to rely on credible intelligence and professional military advice, not political influence, in the fight against terrorism.

“The President needs to listen to those who can differentiate their left from their right,” Zulum said. “He should rely on accurate intelligence and trust the military.”

He also revealed plans to deploy a forest guard to further strengthen local security efforts in Borno State.