By: Abba Alkali Goni, PhD
Prior to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration, Borno State had been severely impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and livelihoods, as well as widespread destruction of properties. This crisis had brought immense hardship to the populace, particularly the displaced communities who sought refuge in neighboring countries and IDP camps. However, with Governor Zulum’s assumption of office in 2019, the security situation in Borno State reached a turning point. His Excellency’s unwavering commitment and resolve to rebuild Borno are commendable.
The security architecture of Governor Zulum’s administration rests on several pillars, which include:
1. Close collaboration between the Borno State Government and federal security agencies.
2. Establishment of a robust volunteer security force, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, hybrid security units, Kesh-Kesh, and recently, the forest guards.
3. Logistic and intelligence support for internal security operations.
4. Establishment of dynamic and functional local security and intelligence networks that provide field support and actionable intelligence to ground troops.
The achievements of Governor Zulum in the security sector cannot be overemphasized. Below are some milestone interventions, particularly during his second tenure in office (2023 to date):
1. Building Community Resilience and Public Confidence: Governor Zulum’s leadership and bravery have boosted the resilience of affected communities. As fondly called the “Civilian General,” he is always at the forefront visiting affected communities for resilience building.
2. Restoration of Livelihoods and Resettlement of Displaced Communities: The Governor Zulum’s administration’s drive to close IDP camps in Maiduguri and resettle IDPs in their ancestral homes or nearby host communities has helped restore livelihoods, enabling people to become self-sufficient. For instance, communities like Baga, Damasak, Banki, Malam Fatori, and others are on the rise.
3. Reconfiguration of the Ministry of Information and Internal Security: This initiative has repositioned security affairs in the state, enhancing synergy with the armed forces and other security agencies.
4. Appointment of Prof. Usman A. Tar: As the pioneer Commissioner, Prof. Usman Tar, an endowed chair and professor of defense and security studies at NDA Kaduna, has strengthened the state’s information management and internal security policy.
5. Establishment of the State Security Trust Fund: This fund supports security operations in the state, providing logistics and other necessities for security personnel.
6. Recruitment of CJTF Members: In 2024, 1,000 CJTF members were recruited (952 cleared by the DSS), bringing the total to almost 30,000 CJTF members across 27 LGAs of the state (including volunteers).
7. Provision of Operational Vehicles and Motorcycles: Governor Zulum’s administration has provided vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies, CJTF, and other community policing groups. This is in addition to the latest distribution of 63 vehicles to security agencies, CJTF, and NAPTIP.
8. Purchase of Armored Personnel Carrier Vehicles and Surveilance Cameras: The administration has also purchased armored vehicles and surveilance cameras for the military to sustain the fight against insurgency.
9. Allocation of Housing Units: Over 200 housing units have been allocated to police personnel at the Mai Mala Buni Housing Estate, Maiduguri.
10. Joint Task Force on Social Vices: A joint task force has been established to combat crime and criminality in the city of Maiduguri.
11. Support to Families of Fallen Heroes: Financial assistance has been provided to families of fallen heroes, including CJTF members, and scholarships have been awarded to their children.
Indeed, posterity will judge Governor Zulum kindly and his name will be written in gold as a true leader who demonstrated courage, commitment, and resilience in rescuing and rebuilding Borno from the shackles of insurgency and insecurity.
Abba Alkali Goni, PhD
Special Assistant to Prof. Usman Tar,
Honourable Commissioner of Information and Internal Security,
Borno State.
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