The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has pledged to pursue and prosecute individuals aiding insurgents, warning that informants and sympathisers of Boko Haram will face the full force of the law.
In a statewide broadcast on Thursday, the governor said recent attacks were a direct consequence of intensified and sustained military operations across the region.
Issuing a stern warning, Zulum said those providing intelligence, shelter or logistical support to militants would be identified and brought to justice.
“To those who feed them with information, shelter them and their sympathisers, and provide logistical support, your time is up,” he said.
“You are not patriots; you are enemies of the state. You will be hunted down and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
The governor acknowledged a recent resurgence of insecurity in parts of the state, describing the situation as “deeply concerning”, but insisted that the overall security environment remained under control.
“As Chief Security Officer, let me assure you that while the situation is being tested, we are doing everything possible to protect lives and property,” he added.
Zulum highlighted efforts made over the past seven years to restore stability and rebuild communities affected by the conflict, noting that authorities had consistently responded with “prompt and positive actions”.
He stressed that earlier reductions in violence should not be mistaken for an end to the insurgency, warning that more work is needed to tackle its root causes.
“We do not believe that the decrease in past attacks signals the end of the insurgency. Much more needs to be done to permanently address this menace,” he said.
The governor also extended condolences to families of fallen soldiers, security personnel and civilian volunteers, while expressing sympathy for residents impacted by the violence.
“Your resilience is the bedrock of our state,” he said, adding that unity and collective resolve remain key in confronting the ongoing threats.
