RismadarVoice Reporters
October 17, 2026
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged the Nigerian military to accelerate preparations for a coordinated offensive against terrorist groups operating around the shores and islands of Lake Chad, warning that lasting peace in the state would remain difficult without dismantling insurgent strongholds in the area.
The governor appealed on Saturday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Maiduguri.
Zulum identified the proposed Operation Lake Sanity as a critical intervention needed to dislodge insurgents, secure vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks across northern Borno.
He also called for additional troop deployments to strategic locations, including Kareto, Baga and the Sabon Gari–Wajiroko axis, to strengthen security, protect major transportation routes and consolidate gains recorded by the military.
Although the governor acknowledged improvements in the security situation across parts of Borno State, he maintained that continued insurgent activities around Lake Chad remained a serious threat to residents and ongoing recovery efforts.
INSURGENT STRONGHOLDS IN LAKE CHAD MUST BE DISMANTLED — ZULUM
Speaking during the meeting, Zulum expressed concern over recent attacks on communities in northern Borno, linking the incidents to the continued presence of insurgents along the Lake Chad shoreline.
He argued that the difficult terrain and island settlements surrounding the lake had provided opportunities for armed groups to maintain operational positions and threaten neighbouring communities.
“The recent attacks on some communities in northern Borno are a result of the presence of insurgents along the shores of Lake Chad. We cannot achieve complete peace without undertaking major military operations in that area,” the governor said.
Zulum stressed that sustained military action was necessary to deny insurgents access to locations from which they could organise attacks and undermine security operations.
He urged military commanders to intensify preparations for the proposed offensive and ensure that the operation achieved its intended objectives.
According to him, restoring security around Lake Chad would contribute significantly to the protection of residents, agricultural activities and economic recovery across northern Borno.
GOVERNOR URGES MILITARY TO FAST-TRACK OPERATION LAKE SANITY
Zulum acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the planned military operation and commended the coordination among Nigeria’s military service chiefs.
He said the Federal Government had provided backing for the offensive and appealed to the military leadership to accelerate its implementation.
The governor maintained that further delays could allow insurgent groups to retain positions around vulnerable communities.
He emphasised the importance of coordinated operations involving the relevant military formations to prevent armed groups from exploiting gaps in security coverage.
The proposed offensive is intended to strengthen efforts to clear insurgent positions around the lake and prevent their re-establishment.
Zulum expressed confidence that decisive action, supported by adequate troop deployments and sustained security presence, could improve conditions for communities affected by years of insurgency.
ZULUM SEEKS STRONGER AMPHIBIOUS MILITARY PRESENCE IN BAGA
The governor specifically called for the reinforcement of the amphibious military command in Baga, a strategically important community near Lake Chad.
He said strengthening the formation would help security personnel monitor waterways, prevent insurgent movements and protect settlements around the lake.
According to Zulum, the security of waterways remains essential because insurgents can exploit the lake’s difficult terrain to move between locations.
He maintained that stronger amphibious capabilities would support operations against armed groups occupying islands and shoreline positions.
The governor also emphasised the importance of maintaining a sustained military presence after successful operations to prevent insurgents from returning to previously cleared areas.
ADDITIONAL TROOPS REQUESTED FOR KARETO, SABON GARI AND WAJIROKO
Zulum also identified the Gubio–Damasak corridor as an area requiring additional security attention.
He requested the establishment of a military formation in Kareto to strengthen protection along the route and surrounding communities.
The governor further called for increased troop deployments around Sabon Gari and Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government Area.
He explained that improved security in these locations would help facilitate the reopening of the Damboa–Biu road.
The road is an important transportation link for residents, traders and communities in the southern part of Borno State.
Zulum maintained that restoring safe vehicular movement would improve access to markets, essential services and other economic opportunities.
He stressed that protecting major roads was necessary to support the return of normal commercial and social activities.
GOVERNOR COMMENDS TRAINING OF 1,000 FOREST GUARDS
The Borno State governor expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for facilitating the training of approximately 1,000 forest guards.
According to Zulum, the personnel had completed their training and been deployed to the state.
He described the initiative as an important contribution to efforts to strengthen local security arrangements and improve protection in vulnerable areas.
The governor acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Army in preparing the guards to support security efforts.
He maintained that additional security personnel, working within established operational structures, could contribute to improved surveillance and the protection of communities.
Zulum also emphasised the need for continued cooperation between the state government and federal security institutions.
MILITARY GAINS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY RECONSTRUCTION AND RESETTLEMENT
Beyond military operations, Zulum stressed that lasting peace required sustained reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement programmes.
He explained that communities affected by insurgency needed more than the removal of immediate security threats.
According to him, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, restoring livelihoods and supporting displaced residents were essential to achieving long-term stability.
The governor commended the Nigerian Army for its role in restoring the Mairari community.
He also acknowledged ongoing preparations for military deployments and community resettlement in Maiwa, Koshobe and Ala.
Zulum maintained that the successful return of displaced persons depended on reliable security arrangements and the restoration of essential services.
He assured the Army of the state government’s continued support for efforts aimed at stabilising recovered communities.
BORNO SECURITY SITUATION HAS IMPROVED DESPITE RECENT ATTACKS
The governor said the overall security situation in Borno State had improved considerably, despite recent attacks in some communities.
He commended troops serving under Operation Hadin Kai for their continued efforts against insurgent groups in the North-East.
Zulum urged military personnel to sustain operational pressure and avoid allowing armed groups to regain lost ground.
He also welcomed the deployment of additional battalions across the two operational sectors.
According to him, the reinforcements were helping to strengthen military positions and consolidate security gains.
The governor stressed that continued vigilance was necessary because improvements in security could be undermined if insurgent groups were allowed to regroup.
ARMY CHIEF PRAISES ZULUM’S SUPPORT FOR TROOPS
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, commended Governor Zulum for his continued support for the Nigerian Army.
He described the assistance provided by the Borno State Government as an important factor in the progress recorded against insurgency.
“The support of the Executive Governor of Borno State has been phenomenal in the successes we have recorded here in Borno State. For that, we say a very big thank you, sir,” Shuaibu said.
The Army chief acknowledged the importance of cooperation between military formations and the state government in addressing security challenges.
He maintained that the relationship had contributed to ongoing operations and efforts to restore stability in affected communities.
SHUAIBU ASSESSES TROOPS UNDER OPERATION HADIN KAI
The Chief of Army Staff explained that his visit to Borno formed part of a routine operational assessment of troops deployed under Operation Hadin Kai.
He said the engagement provided an opportunity to meet commanders, assess operational conditions and encourage personnel involved in counterinsurgency operations.
Shuaibu also acknowledged the resilience and sacrifices of military personnel serving in the North-East.
He assured commanders that challenges identified during his engagements would receive prompt attention.
The Army chief reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring normalcy and creating a secure environment for residents.
According to him, improving security would help communities resume economic, agricultural and social activities disrupted by insurgency.
TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND SECURITY COMMANDERS ATTEND MEETING
The meeting was attended by senior political officeholders, government officials and military personnel.
Among those present were the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and the House of Representatives member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai Federal Constituency, Bukar Talba.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Borno State Government, commissioners, special advisers, senior military officers and heads of security agencies operating in the state.
The gathering provided an opportunity for discussion on on military deployments, community protection and the restoration of normal activities in areas affected by insurgency.
RENEWED OFFENSIVE SEEN AS IMPORTANT TO LASTING PEACE
Zulum’s appeal underscores the continuing security challenges around Lake Chad despite years of military operations against insurgent groups.
The governor maintained that a coordinated offensive, supported by additional troop deployments and sustained security presence, was necessary to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities.
He also emphasised that military operations must be accompanied by reconstruction, rehabilitation and the safe resettlement of displaced residents.
While the Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring stability, the proposed Operation Lake Sanity remains an important focus of the state government’s security expectations.
For Zulum, achieving lasting peace in Borno will require both decisive action against insurgent strongholds and sustained investment in rebuilding communities affected by years of violence.
