Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum criticizes Nigeria's Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, for underestimating the growing Boko Haram insurgency. Zulum warns of escalating security threats in northeastern Nigeria, urging coordinated action between federal and state authorities to combat insurgency effectively.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has publicly criticized Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, over what he described as a dismissive attitude toward escalating security threats in northeastern Nigeria. In a statement that underscores growing tensions between regional leadership and federal authorities, Zulum called the Minister “naive” regarding the reality of the Boko Haram insurgency.
The controversy began when Zulum, speaking at a recent security briefing in Maiduguri, warned of a fresh wave of attacks by insurgents in the region, urging coordinated efforts between state and federal security agencies. His warning sparked widespread concern, particularly due to Borno’s historical vulnerability to terrorist violence.
A news report soon surfaced alleging that Minister Idris had downplayed Zulum’s concerns. While the Information Ministry later denied the quote attributed to Idris, calling it “misinformation,” Zulum stood by his remarks, saying, “I don’t want to join issues with the Minister, but I believe he’s naive about what is truly happening in this country.”
Zulum emphasized that his warning was not political but a call for proactive action. “We raised an alarm in good faith,” he added, noting that he has met with senior military officials in Abuja to seek increased response and surveillance in the area.
The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve: “Under my watch, Boko Haram will not regain the strength they once had.”
The federal government has yet to issue a direct response. Meanwhile, citizens and security analysts are watching closely as tensions simmer over Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.
