Borno Governor Babagana Zulum Reveals Presence of Boko Haram Informants Within Nigerian Politicians and Soldiers, Vows Ruthless Action
In a significant and alarming revelation, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has accused some Nigerian politicians and members of the armed forces of acting as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram terrorists. This disclosure came during an exclusive interview on May 21, 2025, on News Central’s Breakfast Central, where Governor Zulum spoke candidly about the challenges his administration faces in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast region.
Hidden Threats Undermining the Fight Against Boko Haram
Governor Zulum’s statement sheds light on a critical and often overlooked aspect of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against Boko Haram—a violent Islamist extremist group that has terrorized the country’s Northeast for over a decade. The governor asserted that the security crisis is exacerbated not only by the terrorists themselves but also by insiders within the government and military structures who provide information and support to insurgents.
He said, “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly.” This blunt admission underscores the complex nature of Nigeria’s security challenges, where trust and loyalty are frequently compromised, allowing insurgents to gain strategic advantages.
The Battle Against “Contractocracy” and Political Sabotage
Babagana Zulum also highlighted the negative impact of what he called “contractocracy” — a term often used to describe corruption and mismanagement related to government contracts. He warned that corrupt practices and political interference have frustrated efforts to restore peace and security in Borno State and the broader region.
He emphasized the urgent need to eliminate these corrupt practices to make meaningful progress, declaring, “Let’s remove contractocracy. In six months, we can put an end to this madness. We need not politicise insecurity.” His strong words call for a united front among all Nigerians, cutting across political divides, to address the insurgency without letting political interests interfere.
The Role of Surrendered Insurgents in Peacebuilding
One of the more hopeful aspects of Governor Zulum’s interview was his discussion of insurgents who have surrendered and repented. He acknowledged that while not all those who surrendered have completely reformed, the majority are contributing positively to peace efforts.
Zulum stated, “I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism.” This admission is important as it highlights the potential for reintegration and rehabilitation of former insurgents, which could be a key component in achieving lasting peace in the region.
The governor’s remarks suggest that when insurgents surrender and choose to abandon violence, they can become allies in the fight against Boko Haram, providing valuable intelligence and supporting community rebuilding efforts.
Embracing Both Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Strategies to Defeat Insurgency
Governor Zulum firmly believes that military force alone cannot end the Boko Haram insurgency. While kinetic measures—such as military operations, airstrikes, and ground assaults—are necessary to confront armed terrorists, they must be complemented by non-kinetic strategies that address the root causes of the crisis.
He explained, “Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place.” This perspective reflects a broader security doctrine emphasizing a comprehensive approach to counterinsurgency.
What Are Non-Kinetic Measures?
Non-kinetic measures refer to social, political, and economic interventions aimed at tackling the underlying factors that fuel insurgency. This includes efforts to:
-
Improve education and job opportunities in vulnerable communities
-
Promote political inclusion and good governance
-
Strengthen community trust and resilience against extremist ideology
-
Provide psychological support and rehabilitation for repentant insurgents
Governor Zulum elaborated on this point, saying, “What I mean by non-kinetic measures is social, political, and economic dimensions of the crisis. Our ongoing non-kinetic measures have yielded positive results with the support of the Nigerian military.” This statement highlights the importance of collaboration between civilian authorities and the military in implementing holistic strategies that go beyond combat.
Strengthening Intelligence to Root Out Saboteurs
The governor’s promise to “strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly” signals a renewed focus on internal security reforms. Intelligence gathering is vital in identifying and neutralizing informants and collaborators who undermine military operations.
By rooting out traitors within political and military ranks, Borno State aims to close the information leakages that terrorists exploit to plan attacks or escape capture. This tough stance on internal sabotage is crucial for rebuilding public confidence in the state’s security apparatus.
The Call for National Unity Against Terrorism
Governor Zulum’s statements reflect a broader call to action for the Nigerian government, security agencies, and citizens to come together and prioritize national security above partisan interests. His warning against politicizing insecurity is a plea for all stakeholders to cooperate transparently and effectively.
This call to unity is particularly timely given the current security challenges Nigeria faces, including banditry, communal clashes, and insurgent attacks. Without a collective effort, these overlapping threats risk further destabilizing the country.
Conclusion: A Roadmap for Ending Insurgency in Borno State
Governor Babagana Zulum’s interview offers a clear and actionable roadmap for addressing Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State and beyond:
-
Eliminate corruption and contractocracy to remove internal sabotage and political interference.
-
Strengthen intelligence to identify and punish informants and collaborators aiding terrorists.
-
Combine kinetic and non-kinetic measures to address both the symptoms and root causes of insurgency.
-
Support and reintegrate surrendered insurgents to harness their potential as allies in peacebuilding.
-
Promote national unity and avoid politicizing insecurity for political gain.
By following these strategies, Governor Zulum believes that significant progress can be made within six months to end the insurgency that has devastated Nigeria’s Northeast for too long.
