In a stark revelation, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has exposed the escalating threat of insurgency in the North, where militants are now leveraging technology to outmaneuver soldiers. This disturbing trend highlights the dire need for the Nigerian government to reassess its approach to combating insecurity. According to Zulum, the Nigerian Army is currently ill-equipped to counter the insurgents’ sophisticated tactics, leaving the region vulnerable to continued attacks.
The governor’s concerns were aired during an interview on News Central TV’s “One-on-one with Zulum,” where he emphasized the urgency of a unified front against the insurgents. Zulum stressed that the federal and state governments must join forces to prioritize security, rather than allowing political divisions to hinder progress. He argued that investing in drones could be a pivotal step in turning the tide against the insurgents, citing a recent meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, who expressed the need for 32 drones to effectively combat the insurgency.
The cost of each drone, approximately $5.5 million, raises questions about the allocation of resources and the procurement of military equipment. Zulum proposed that direct government-to-government transactions could help ensure value for money, avoiding the pitfalls of dealing with contractors who may not deliver the necessary equipment. By streamlining the procurement process and pooling resources, the governor believes that the insurgency could be brought under control within six months.
Zulum’s words serve as a wake-up call, underscoring the need for swift and collective action to address the insecurity plaguing the region. The federal government’s response to the governor’s plea will be closely watched, as the people of Borno State and the broader Nigerian community wait with bated breath for a resolution to the ongoing crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the time for decisive action is now, and the fate of the region hangs in the balance.
