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.
society
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.
May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.
In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.
### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.
2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.
UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.
3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.
4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.
For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.
United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.
society
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.
In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.
According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.
He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.
“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.
The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.
He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.
“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.
Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.
While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.
“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.
The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.
He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.
society
NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers
NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.
The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.
The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.
“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.
While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.
The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.
“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.
Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.
The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.
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