Insurgency Reduced by 90% in Borno, Says Governor Zulum

Governor Babagana Zulum announces significant progress in Borno State, claiming a 90% reduction in insurgency as security forces continue efforts to restore peace.

On Sunday, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum stated that the Federal Government and security forces have managed to contain 90 percent of Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East.

Nigeria has been combating insurgency for more than a decade, resulting in numerous fatalities and kidnappings across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Zulum acknowledged that there are still some small groups of insurgents active in his state.

“The governor stated that although insurgency in Borno State has decreased by over 90 percent, it was not an overnight achievement.”

“Boko Haram still maintains a presence in certain areas, particularly around the fringes of Lake Chad, within the Sambisa Games Reserve, and in the Mandara Hills.”

Recently, Boko Haram launched an attack on Chadian soldiers. In response, the Chadian authorities have made a firm decision to expel the insurgents from their territory.

“They successfully sent them away, and most are now in Nigeria, particularly in Borno State.”

According to Zulum, the insurgency began in 2009, and for the last 15 years, Nigeria has been combatting terrorism in the North-East.

He praised the military, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, and the people of Borno State for their resilience.

The governor anticipates further improvements in the region over the next two years, as troops continue their relentless efforts to secure the state.

He expressed hope that the problem of terrorism would be eliminated within the next two years as Nigeria works together with neighboring countries Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Mali.

During the program, he also discussed the controversial tax reform bills that President Bola Tinubu submitted to the National Assembly in October.

He explained that the northern governors recommended President Bola Tinubu withdraw the controversial tax reform bills to allow for more time for consultation.

He contended that, despite certain insinuations from various sources, the northern governors do not oppose President Tinubu’s administration.

Zulum explained that if the bill passes through the National Assembly, it would disadvantage other states, with only Lagos State being the primary beneficiary of the policy.

He believes the north cannot oppose Tinubu, as more than 60 percent of his votes in the 2023 general elections were from this region.

In October, President Tinubu requested that the National Assembly approve and enact the bills into law.

The proposed legislation includes the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.584; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 – SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.

However, on November 28, the tax reform bills successfully passed a second reading in the Senate.