Boko Haram: Nigeria Launches Coordinated Military Offensive

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has emphasized the need for a coordinated military operation to target insurgent strongholds in the Lake Chad area, specifically at Tumbus, Mandara hills, and Sambisa Game Reserve. This, he believes, is crucial to addressing the security situation in the Northeast region. The governor made this statement during a meeting with the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, at the Government House in Maiduguri.

According to Governor Zulum, the Tumbus islands have provided a safe haven for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, and a comprehensive operation in the area is essential for lasting security. He noted that a thorough military operation involving the Navy, Air Force, and Army has never been conducted in the region. The governor stressed that if the challenges in the Lake Chad area are not addressed, the security situation in the Northeast will continue to escalate.

In addition to the Tumbus islands, Governor Zulum identified the Sambisa Game Reserve and Mandara hills as other insurgent enclaves that require a coordinated operation. He recommended the deployment of more technology, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), to support the military’s efforts. The governor also proposed a strategic meeting between the Command and Control structures of the military in Maiduguri to discuss the best approach to addressing the situation.

Governor Zulum commended President Bola Tinubu for his support to the military and urged for additional funding to equip the armed forces with modern hardware. He expressed confidence that with commitment and dedication, insurgency can be defeated. The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, acknowledged the governor’s community-based reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives, which have prioritized healing, reintegration, and local ownership.

The meeting comes as ISWAP has intensified attacks on military formations in the Northeast region, including a recent ambush that killed several soldiers, including a Brigade Commander. The terror group has announced its responsibility for the attack and shared photos confirming the incident. The Nigerian military has increased its focus on operational readiness and the intelligent application of airpower to support stabilization efforts in the region.