Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum Sounds Alarm on Escalating Security Crisis in Northeast Nigeria: Insurgents Using Advanced Technology, Urgent Call for Federal-State Collaboration

 

The security situation in Nigeria’s Northeast region continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate, and the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has raised a stark warning regarding the challenges facing the fight against insurgency in the area. Speaking in a revealing interview with News Central TV on Wednesday, May 21, Governor Zulum did not mince words as he disclosed that insurgent groups have significantly upgraded their tactics and now deploy sophisticated technology to wage war against Nigerian troops.

His comments mark a serious call to action for the Nigerian federal and state governments, emphasizing that the current approach to security is inadequate. The governor passionately urged for urgent and coordinated intervention to halt the increasingly dangerous insurgency.

Insurgents Now Using Advanced Technology Against Nigerian Troops

Governor Zulum’s disclosure is particularly significant because it highlights a worrying trend: insurgents in the Northeast are no longer relying solely on traditional guerrilla warfare but have embraced advanced technological tools to outmaneuver and outgun Nigerian forces.

In his words, “The Army doesn’t have the necessary equipment on ground to fight the insurgents, and I want to also inform you that, right now, the insurgents are using technology to fight the soldiers on ground.” This statement underlines the widening gap between the Nigerian military’s current capabilities and the insurgents’ evolving tactics.

This development suggests a major shift in the dynamics of the conflict. While Nigerian troops have long struggled with inadequate logistics, poor equipment, and challenging terrain, insurgents’ use of technology places additional pressure on the military to modernize quickly.

The Need for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) to Improve Battlefield Intelligence

One of the most pressing needs identified by Governor Zulum is the acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and combat operations in the region.

He revealed a recent meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, where the military leader made a direct appeal for 32 drones to support counter-insurgency efforts. Governor Zulum shared the details candidly:

“A few days ago, I had a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Army Staff said that he is looking for 32 drones to end the insurgency and he’s right.”

The governor further explained the high cost of each drone, which is approximately $5.5 million. This price tag has been a major impediment to quick procurement, but Zulum called on all stakeholders to pool resources and prioritize funding for these vital tools.

“Each drone is costing about $5.5 million, so why can’t we pull resources together so that we can buy these drones and prioritise insecurity?”

Drones are crucial in modern warfare, especially in environments like Northeast Nigeria, where insurgents operate in difficult-to-reach locations such as dense forests, caves, and remote villages. UAVs can provide real-time intelligence, track insurgent movements, and coordinate air and ground operations more efficiently.

Tackling Procurement Challenges to Ensure Value for Money

Beyond the need for modern equipment, Governor Zulum highlighted systemic problems within the procurement process that undermine the effectiveness of security operations. He called for a transparent, direct approach in sourcing military hardware and software.

“Another issue we shall look into is the procurement of military equipment, both hardware and software. Let’s deal directly, government to government, so that we can get value for money.”

Zulum warned that the current procurement system is plagued by inefficiencies and corruption. In his words:

“Otherwise, most of the contractors—I’m not saying all—once you give them the money will not even buy the equipment, and some of the monies are going into the torturous bureaucratic purse of the ministerial assessments.”

This is a critical point that sheds light on how delays and financial mismanagement hinder Nigeria’s capacity to respond effectively to security threats. By advocating for direct government-to-government deals, Zulum is urging the federal government to cut through bureaucratic red tape and eliminate middlemen who compromise both transparency and quality.

Confidence That Unity and Right Approach Can End Insurgency Within Six Months

Despite the grim situation, Governor Zulum expressed strong optimism that with the right strategies and unified effort, the insurgency can be brought to a decisive end.

“If we want to do right, we can put ourselves together and this madness will end within six months. But the right thing must be done,” he asserted.

This statement underlines the belief that the problem is not insurmountable but requires political will, strategic alignment, and sufficient resource allocation.

He reiterated the importance of collaboration between the federal government and state governments, stressing that insecurity should not be politicized but addressed as a national priority.

“Federal Government and state governments must come together, we need to prioritise security, and then we need not to politicise insecurity which is very important, the Federal Government needs to listen to us, we shall offer our services and advise on how we can move forward,” the governor concluded.

Why This Matters: The Growing Threat of Insurgency in Northeast Nigeria

The Northeast region of Nigeria, encompassing states such as Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, has been the epicenter of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgency for over a decade. Thousands of lives have been lost, and millions displaced due to ongoing violence. Despite various military offensives, the insurgents have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, frequently shifting tactics and exploiting gaps in military preparedness.

Governor Zulum’s revelations underscore that the insurgents are no longer simply armed militants but are increasingly tech-savvy adversaries. This evolution poses fresh challenges that require a modernized military response, increased funding, and enhanced cooperation between federal and state governments.

The Role of Technology in Modern Warfare and Counter-Insurgency

Modern counter-insurgency operations heavily rely on technology to gather intelligence, monitor enemy movements, and conduct precision strikes. The use of drones has become a game-changer globally, offering commanders a bird’s-eye view of conflict zones without risking personnel.

Zulum’s call for 32 drones to boost Nigeria’s fight against insurgents is both timely and critical. Without such assets, Nigerian troops risk being outmatched by insurgents equipped with similar or superior technologies. This could lead to prolonged conflict, increased casualties, and further destabilization of the region.

The Way Forward: A United Front and Strategic Investments

The governor’s appeal for unity between federal and state governments is a vital message. Security in Nigeria, particularly in insurgency-affected zones, cannot be addressed by a single entity alone. It requires coordinated policy, shared intelligence, pooled resources, and mutual accountability.

By urging the federal government to engage more openly with state leaders on security matters and to act on advice from those on the frontlines, Zulum highlights a crucial step toward sustainable peace.

Furthermore, ensuring transparency and accountability in military procurement will help guarantee that funds allocated for security are spent wisely and deliver the intended results.

Conclusion

Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum’s urgent call for enhanced technology, better funding, and improved federal-state cooperation paints a vivid picture of the current security challenges in Northeast Nigeria. His insights reveal that insurgents have advanced their tactics with technology, forcing the Nigerian military to modernize rapidly or risk losing ground.

The call to invest in unmanned aerial vehicles and reform procurement processes, coupled with the emphasis on unity and depoliticization of insecurity, offers a clear roadmap for turning the tide against insurgency.

If the federal and state governments heed this call, pool their resources, and work in concert, there is genuine hope that the nightmare of insurgency in Northeast Nigeria could be effectively contained and ultimately eradicated within a short time frame.

For Nigerians and stakeholders interested in peace and security, Governor Zulum’s words serve as a reminder that the fight against insurgency is far from over but not beyond victory—provided the right actions are taken promptly.