Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed grave concerns over the regrouping of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the Tumbus areas of Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills within the Sambisa Forest.
During a visit from the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and senior military commanders in Maiduguri, Zulum highlighted that despite regular military operations, the terrorist groups are able to reclaim areas once cleared by the military. He pointed out the limited effectiveness of current military efforts in the Tumbus water areas, which have become a breeding ground for insurgents.
“We are facing a situation where after military operations, Boko Haram and ISWAP return to take over areas that were previously regained,” Zulum stated. He emphasized that these groups have found ample resources in the region and that international support for the terrorists has exacerbated the situation.
The governor further noted that porous borders remain a significant challenge, enabling infiltration from across the Sahel. “ISWAP and Boko Haram are receiving international support, and our porous borders remain a major problem,” he said.
Zulum’s warning follows recent concerns raised by experts about the growing influence of Boko Haram on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, and the increasing toll on both military and civilian lives.
