Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru on Friday assured the Borno government of the federal government’s increased military support to counter emerging security threats in the North-East.

Mr Badaru gave the assurance in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and other top military commanders.

The high-level visit was on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to assess the situation on ground and determine the additional requirements of the security forces in terms of personnel and equipment.

Mr Badaru said Mr Tinubu had authorised the team to ensure all necessary resources were provided to reverse the recent resurgence of attacks in the region.

“We know that Borno State has enjoyed relative peace for some time now due to your determination, and people have returned to their towns and villages to rebuild their lives,” he said.

The minister expressed concern that the recent developments threatened those gains but reassured the governor of the federal government’s commitment to sustaining peace in the region.

“I want to assure you on behalf of the president that we will nip this in the bud and restore the peace that we have enjoyed in recent years,” Mr Badaru said.

The minister said that a daily situation report would be submitted to the president, and the military high command would maintain a strong focus on the North-East theatre of operations.

He also sought the governor’s guidance on improving military operations, noting Mr Zulum’s vast experience and continued presence in the state.

Responding, Mr Zulum thanked the delegation for the visit and expressed optimism that it would mark a turning point in addressing the region’s security challenges.

“We have to be resilient enough and ensure that the successes that have so far been recorded will not diminish, insha’Allah,” Mr Zulum said.

The governor pledged continued political support to the military in the fight against insurgency and lauded the federal government for its sustained commitment to Borno’s stability.

He, however, raised concerns about limited military manpower, especially in managing the state’s forests and porous borders, and called for increased deployment of trained personnel to the region.

Mr Zulum said the difference between various armed groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits, highlighting international support for the former and the strategic importance of the Sahel.

“If the Sahel is not secured, all of Nigeria will not be secured. So there is a need to fortify the security situation in the Sahel in order to end the crisis across the country,” he said.

Mr Zulum also emphasised the need for continuous military operations to sustain gains and ensure lasting peace in the region.

(NAN)