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.