By Babagana Wakil, Maiduguri
Borno state governor, Prof Babagana Zulum has expressed concern over the increasing presence of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in some parts of the state.
He disclosed this when he received the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Mohammed Ndume at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
While commending president Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Armed Forces and volunteers for major gains recorded in Borno, Zulum said he was deeply worried about the increasing presence of ISWAP in some parts of the state, especially in southern Borno.
“Borno state has started witnessing gradual return of peace to the state. This would not be possible without the support of the federal government.
“The Service Chiefs are giving us the desired cooperation. Indeed, the current Theater Commander and the General Officers Commanding, GOCs, have been giving their cooperation. However, ISWAP is threatening to reverse the successes recorded.
“Honestly speaking, we have to do something about the operations of ISWAP in Borno state. If nothing is done to check them and chase them out, it may be bad not only for people of the Northeast, but the entire nation at large.
“ISWAP fighters are better armed, better equipped, more intelligent and more sophisticated than Boko Haram, and they grow spontaneously. Hence, the need to pursue the ISWAP now,” he said.
On the recent surrender by hundreds of repentant Boko Haram fighters, the governor said the development was already resulting to some stability, especially in the areas of agriculture.
According to him, since the surrender of thousands of insurgents, farmers have increased access to farms by 700%, adding that he supports the continued combination of military warfare, and political approach towards disarmament, deradicalization and safe reintegration.
Earlier, Ndume said they were in Maiduguri to commend the governor for the support he has been rendering to the Army towards restoring peace to the state and nation at large.
“Your Excellency, this is a Senate Committee on Nigerian Army. We are here on oversight and to thank you for the support to the Army, which they themselves have acknowledged,” Ndume said.
The delegation included Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South, and Vice Chairman of the Committee; Senator Hassan Gusau, Senator Kola Balogun from Oyo South Senatorial district, and Senator Bulus Amos from Gombe South.
Also on the visit were Brig. Gen. Sani Suleiman who is the Director, Defense Liaison to the National Assembly; Navy Captain Shehu Tasiu, Deputy Director Defense Liaison to the National Assembly; Lawal Sani, who is Clerk of the Committee, and Akikomi Johnson, Deputy Clerk.
