Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has dismissed claims that Minister of Information Mohammed Idris downplayed his concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram activities, stating that such reports misrepresented the minister’s stance.

Speaking during a security briefing in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Zulum raised alarms over renewed insurgent attacks, including abductions and violent raids, warning that recent developments mark a disturbing reversal of the state’s security progress.

A media report had quoted Minister Idris as saying the governor’s concerns should be disregarded, allegedly stating “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno.” However, the Minister’s spokesperson, Rabiu Ibrahim, rejected the report as “categorically false,” labeling the headline “sensational and deliberately misleading.”

In response, Governor Zulum maintained that his remarks reflect the realities in Borno and urged the federal government and security agencies to intensify collaborative efforts.

“I don’t want to join issues with the Minister of Information. I believe he is naïve of what is happening in the country,” Zulum told journalists. “We just raised an alarm on the resurgence of Boko Haram and the need for collaboration. That should not be misunderstood.”

He confirmed he had met with the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs in Abuja, receiving assurances of increased federal military support for Borno.

Governor Zulum also reaffirmed his commitment to preventing a repeat of Boko Haram’s past dominance in the state, pledging continued support for security personnel, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes.

“Inshallah, under my watch, Boko Haram will not have the capacity to do what they did before,” he vowed.