Zulum Blames Military Negligence for Boko Haram Attack in Borno

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has accused the Nigerian military of ignoring his earlier warning about the dangers of leaving Kirawa town in Gwoza Local Government Area without security.

The governor’s concern followed a fresh Boko Haram assault that forced thousands of residents to flee into Cameroon.

The attack occurred days after Cameroonian troops, who had been providing cross-border security, withdrew from the area. Governor Zulum said he had informed military authorities about the need to protect Kirawa and other strategic border communities such as Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, and Wilgo. However, his warning was reportedly not acted upon, leading to devastating consequences.

According to Zulum, the insurgents invaded the town on Wednesday, destroying homes, vehicles, and heavy-duty equipment. Two people were killed, while about 50 houses were burnt. The governor, who personally led a team of civilian Joint Task Force members and Nigerian troops to the area, expressed regret over the military’s delay in securing the community, saying the attack could have been prevented.

Following the incident, the Nigerian Army has now agreed to redeploy soldiers to Kirawa. The state government has also pledged to provide more logistics and equipment to civilian JTF and vigilante groups to strengthen local defence. Zulum said the state would continue to support these groups in protecting residents against future raids.

He appealed to the federal government to release funds and procure equipment to boost military operations in Borno, especially as the rainy season ends and road access improves. He also urged the military to show stronger commitment and consistency in counterinsurgency efforts, stressing that irregular operations were fueling renewed attacks.

Zulum reassured displaced residents of government’s resolve to restore safety in Kirawa and nearby towns. He encouraged them not to lose hope, saying Boko Haram’s small fighting units should not be able to overpower entire communities when there is collective resistance.

The latest attack in Kirawa has deepened fears across the northeast, where Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have intensified strikes this year. The insurgents overran a military base, burnt down the district head’s palace, and forced more than 5,000 residents to flee across the border or towards Maiduguri.

The incident came less than two weeks after another Boko Haram assault on Banki, another border community, where troops were forced to retreat and weapons seized. Residents now say Kirawa remains under the control of insurgents, as military forces work to regain the area.