Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has revealed significant strides in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North-East, declaring that no fewer than 300,000 repentant Boko Haram members and their families have surrendered in the last four years.
Speaking on the evolving security situation in the state in an exclusive interview with Newscentral on Wednesday, Zulum described the figure as a “very huge success” and credited both “kinetic and non-kinetic strategies” for the substantial decline in insurgent activities.
“Since the last three to four years to date, we received nothing fewer than 300,000 repentant Boko Haram members and their families. That is a very huge success. So, this alongside with the kinetic measures have drastically reduced the insurgency.” the governor stated.
Zulum further noted that the government’s non-kinetic measures — including deradicalisation, reintegration, and community engagement programs — have yielded remarkable results, thanks to a strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian military.
“I want to inform you that our non-kinetic measures have yielded a very positive result because we received tremendous support from the Nigerian Army. Honestly speaking, Borno State government is working well with the Nigerian Army.” He affirmed.
He acknowledged that while relations between state authorities and military leadership had faced challenges, a cordial and effective partnership has now been firmly established, enabling significant operational successes.
“It’s not that we used to have some certain problems, but it has been a long time since then. Now we are maintaining a very cordial relationship. And because of this, a lot has been achieved,” Zulum added.
The governor’s remarks come amid sustained military operations and ongoing rehabilitation initiatives aimed at stabilising communities devastated by over a decade of insurgency.
While challenges around resettlement, security surveillance, and regional stability remain, analysts note that the mass surrender of insurgents marks a critical turning point in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign.
