Insurgency: Tinubu, Zulum in talks over foreign guards deployment

 

President Bola Tinubu and the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, on Monday discussed new strategies to curb the advance of jihadist factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Their discussions centred on bolstering security through the rapid deployment of forest guards and the expedited delivery of arms and equipment to northeastern military formations.

This followed a closed-door meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, where Zulum said he briefed the President on the happenings in the state.

Monday’s meeting comes after a week of complaints from the governor over strategic gains of the jihadist factions of Boko Haram and the ISWAP.

Since early 2025, Boko Haram and its ISWAP splinter have ramped up coordinated raids across Borno, overrunning at least 15 military outposts and unleashing deadly attacks on villages and civilian convoys.

Analysts note that diminished infighting between the two factions and fresh support from Islamic State advisers have enabled more sophisticated tactics—nighttime raids, roadside bombs, and even armed drones.

Governor Zulum warned that without swift reinforcement, local government councils could again fall to insurgent control.

On May 19, 2025, he revealed that the group was one town away from overrunning Marte Local Government Area on the western coast of Lake Chad.

Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting, the governor said, “The President has given me assurance that they will do everything to control the situation.

“Most importantly, some plans are underway by the Federal Government, especially the establishment of forest guards. That will be a game-changer.”

“We made a plea to the Federal Government of Nigeria, and I believe within the last couple of days, the Nigerian Armed Forces have taken some certain decisions that will curtail the insurgency,” he said.

Zulum added, “Some of the Boko Haram and ISWAP members are using some sophisticated weapons. I believe the Federal Government is also working on this direction.”

President Tinubu had approved the creation of a new corps of armed forest guards to secure Nigeria’s 1,129 forests — terrain often used by militants for staging and supply. 

The Senate backed the initiative, urging rapid recruitment and deployment of guards drawn from affected communities to ensure local knowledge and trust.

With recruitment underway, the Professional Hunters Association and the Nigerian Forest Security Service warned the federal and state governments against politicising the process.

They cautioned that allowing politics to dictate recruitment would undermine the entire purpose of the initiative.

Zulum also briefed the President on his week-long tour of hard-hit local government areas, where military formations face continued assaults from ISWAP.

“I’ve been away for about one week into some of the affected local government areas.

“We are trying to see how we shall reduce the incendiary attacks on military formations and others.

“So, I came and I briefed Mr. President on how possibly best we can, the state and the federal will work together in order to reduce such problems that we are facing,” he stated.

Zulum pledged continued state support for federal forces through expanded Civilian Joint Task Force units.

“On my own part, as the governor of Borno State, I will not relent in my effort in strengthening the resilience of our community and getting our volunteers so that the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces shall be complemented,” he stated.

The governor also issued a rallying cry against any further territorial losses.

He stated, “I’m calling the Nigerian Armed Forces, the civilian authorities, and all those that are concerned to rise up to the matter and defend our local government areas.

“A few days ago I made a call that no local government shall be allowed to be taken over by Boko Haram or ISWAP members. It will never happen now.

“Insha Allah, with the support of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Armed Forces, we will not leave a single local government to fall into the hands of the insurgents,” he further assured residents of his state.