society
Borno Losing Ground to Boko Haram: A Nation in Denial, a Governor in Distress
Borno Losing Ground to Boko Haram: A Nation in Denial, a Governor in Distress
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a chilling cry that cuts through the numb silence of a weary nation, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has once again lamented the relentless assault of Boko Haram, warning that his state—once a bastion of resistance against terrorism—is gradually losing ground to the insurgents. His words are not only a cry for help but also a damning indictment of a nation that has normalized tragedy, desensitized itself to carnage, and continues to gamble with the blood of its citizens.
This is not a new story. It is the same tale of bloodshed, displacement, and despair—only now, it is resurfacing with greater urgency. In Governor Zulum’s own words, “The resurgence of Boko Haram in parts of Borno is deeply worrisome. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well.” These are not the empty complaints of a politician seeking attention. They are the warnings of a leader on the frontline, who sees firsthand what Abuja refuses to confront: the war against terrorism is far from over, and Nigeria is losing it—again.
A False Sense of Victory
In 2015, the All Progressives Congress (APC) rode to power on the back of promises to defeat Boko Haram, eradicate corruption, and stabilize the economy. A decade later, the group remains active, its factions—particularly the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)—now more organized, more brutal, and more entrenched. In December 2020, the United Nations estimated that over 36,000 people had been killed in the conflict, with more than 2 million displaced in the Northeast. Those numbers have only grown, with over 11 million people now in need of humanitarian assistance in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states as of 2024.
While successive administrations have claimed to have “technically defeated” Boko Haram, the ground reality paints a starkly different picture. Boko Haram continues to operate freely in parts of southern Borno, Sambisa Forest, and the Lake Chad Basin. Just last month, insurgents overran military positions in Guzamala and attacked communities in Gwoza, killing civilians and security personnel alike. These are not isolated incidents; they are coordinated, strategic offensives designed to reestablish territorial dominance.
Zulum: The Lone Voice in the Wilderness
Governor Zulum’s courage in speaking out deserves national commendation. Unlike many of his counterparts who wallow in silence or peddle the central government’s propaganda, Zulum has consistently challenged the federal security architecture, demanding more boots on the ground, better intelligence sharing, and genuine political will.
In April 2024, during a security meeting in Maiduguri, Zulum warned that Boko Haram fighters were regrouping and that displaced persons living in IDP camps could not return to their ancestral homes due to insecurity. “Our soldiers are overwhelmed,” he stated. “Without increased federal support, we risk losing everything we’ve fought for in the last 10 years.”
Indeed, Nigeria spends over ₦2 trillion annually on defense, yet the country remains one of the most terrorized in the world. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2024, Nigeria remains in the top 10 of countries most affected by terrorism. Despite enormous budget allocations, corruption, poor accountability, and bureaucratic incompetence have rendered Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy toothless.
The Consequences of Failure
The implications of Borno losing ground to Boko Haram are staggering. First, it spells humanitarian catastrophe. Over 700,000 children in Borno State alone face severe malnutrition, and if access to remote areas becomes even more restricted, the death toll from hunger could soon rival that from bullets.
Second, it undermines national security. The resurgence of terrorism in the Northeast could embolden other armed groups in the Northwest and Northcentral—bandits, kidnappers, and separatist militias—thus plunging the country into further anarchy. In a nation already teetering on the edge, Borno’s descent into lawlessness could trigger a chain reaction of state failures.
Third, it discredits Nigeria’s international reputation. The country has received significant support from international allies, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations. Yet, donor fatigue is setting in. The world is growing tired of helping a government that appears unwilling—or unable—to help itself. Nigeria risks becoming the poster child of wasted aid and lost hope.
Abuja Must Wake Up
The federal government can no longer afford to downplay Zulum’s warnings. His alarm should prompt a total reevaluation of Nigeria’s security framework. The Nigerian Army, overstretched and under-equipped, cannot continue to bear this burden alone. There must be a comprehensive approach that includes:
Decentralization of Security: State policing and community defense structures must be legalized and properly regulated. The centralization of security under Abuja has failed. It is time to empower state and local authorities to take charge of their regions.
Intelligence-Driven Warfare: Technology, surveillance drones, and real-time intelligence must be the cornerstone of military operations. Boko Haram’s movements should not come as a surprise in the era of satellite monitoring and AI-powered tracking.
Cutting Off Financing: Boko Haram sustains itself through extortion, illegal taxation of farmers, and foreign funding. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) must be empowered to aggressively trace and freeze terrorist-linked accounts.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration: While military force is essential, so too is de-radicalization. The failure of Nigeria’s past reintegration programs stems from the absence of post-release monitoring, community engagement, and economic reinsertion. Ex-combatants must be tracked and employed, not released into the shadows.
Conclusion: A Nation at the Crossroads
Governor Zulum has laid bare the uncomfortable truth that many at the top are unwilling to hear: Borno is slipping, and with it, Nigeria is unraveling. This is not the time for political spin or cosmetic reforms. This is the time for radical honesty, brave leadership, and urgent action.
As citizens, we must amplify Zulum’s voice. As intellectuals, we must dissect the systemic failures that brought us here. And as a nation, we must decide: are we going to keep pretending that Nigeria is safe while Borno burns? Or are we going to rise, confront the monster of terror head-on, and reclaim our land?
History will not be kind to those who watched in silence while Borno bled. And if we fail to act now, the lament of Zulum today will become the requiem of Nigeria tomorrow.
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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