Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has voiced deep concern over the escalating threat posed by insurgents in the North-East, warning that the militant groups are increasingly leveraging sophisticated technologies that outmatch the current capabilities of the Nigerian military.
Speaking during an interview aired on News Central TV, Governor Zulum emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated response between federal and state authorities to tackle the evolving security landscape.
“The Nigerian Army is operating with limited resources and is currently ill-equipped to effectively respond to the advanced tactics now being employed by insurgents,” Zulum said.
He noted that insurgent groups have begun deploying modern technology, including surveillance tools and drones, to gain an advantage on the battlefield. According to the governor, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja recently informed him of the critical need for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enhance intelligence gathering and improve operational outcomes.
“In our recent discussion, the Chief of Army Staff stated that 32 drones are urgently needed to turn the tide. Each costs about $5.5 million. It’s time we pool resources—federal and state—to make this investment and prioritize national security,” Zulum explained.
The governor also highlighted procurement inefficiencies as a barrier to progress, criticizing reliance on contractors and urging a direct government-to-government approach to acquiring military assets. He warned that bureaucratic delays and corruption in procurement processes often derail timely delivery of essential equipment.
Zulum expressed optimism that, with political will and strategic collaboration, the insurgency could be brought under control in a short period. “If we align our efforts and do the right thing, we can end this within six months,” he asserted.
He further appealed for depoliticization of national security, stressing the importance of unity and transparency in tackling the crisis. “Security should be above politics. The Federal Government must listen to state voices. We’re ready to contribute our ideas and efforts to restore peace,” he said.
Governor Zulum’s remarks underscore growing concerns about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s current counterinsurgency strategy and add to calls for urgent reforms in defense spending and intergovernmental coordination.
